From around North America, the tests for the elite peewee and bantam hockey players involve a route that would impress the likes of Simon Fraser and Lewis and Clark.
In its second year under the Pat Quinn Classic banner, the Burnaby Minor Hockey Association’s major tournament continues to draw an impressive class of contestants, eager to put their skills under a magnifying glass.
The tourney, which runs Dec. 27 to 30, attracts the top 11 to 12 (peewee) and 13 to 14 (bantam) players in a forum that suits scouts from junior, college and pro organizations.
“This is a great opportunity for future hockey stars to show their skills,” remarked honorary tournament chair Cliff Ronning, who in his younger days dazzled in the tournament’s earlier incarnation. “And this tournament honours Pat Quinn’s countless contributions to the game.”
Teams from as far away as Alaska, Colorado, Los Angeles and Arizona will continue to push the American product and look to defend a recent trend -- with last year’s tourney title going to the Chicago Mission.
Five of the top 10 bantam teams in Western Canada will lead the home charge in the bantam AAA elite division.
Lethbridge, Edmonton and the Rocky Mountain association will put their skills to the test, against the likes of the Burnaby Winter Club, Prince George, Arizona, L.A. Kings and hockey academies from the Okanagan, Delta, Yale and Shawnigan Lake.
In the bantam AAA division, Burnaby Minor, the Burnaby Winter Club and programs from Colorado, San Jose, Seattle, Kelowna and Nanaimo are among the mix.
In the peewee AAA elite division, the ranks include Alaska, San Jose, Burnaby Minor, BWC, Cloverdale, Kelowna, North Shore and Victoria Racquet Club.
Action will take place at the Bill Copeland Arena, Burnaby Lake Arena, Kensington Arena, the Burnaby Winter Club and Planet Ice Coquitlam.
For more information, visit www.patquinnclassic.com.
