THE CIRCLE K CLASSIC RETURNS FOR ITS 47TH YEAR

THE CIRCLE K CLASSIC RETURNS FOR ITS 47TH YEAR

Circle K Classic
Dec. 11, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE CIRCLE K CLASSIC RETURNS FOR ITS 47TH YEAR

CALGARY, AB – The Circle K Classic, the longest-running U18 AAA hockey tournament in Western Canada, returns for its 47th year, bringing elite international hockey action to Calgary from December 27, 2025 to January 1, 2026. Games will be hosted at Calgary’s Max Bell Arena and the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex, featuring 32 teams from across North America competing for one of the most prestigious titles in U18 hockey. Teams will represent leagues including the AEHL, BCEHL, SMAAAHL, CSSHL, and NAPHL.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

The Circle K Classic will once again utilize the “Sweet Sixteen” format, introduced last year to enhance competition and give more teams the opportunity to compete for the championship. The top two teams from each of the eight pools will advance past the round-robin stage into the Sweet Sixteen bracket, ensuring high-intensity matchups and an elevated level of play throughout the tournament.

TEAM HIGHLIGHTS

The tournament schedule runs daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s tournament includes the four Calgary-based host teams – the Calgary Royals, Calgary Buffaloes, Calgary Northstars, and Calgary NW Flames – along with elite U18 AAA programs from across Canada and the United States. This year also marks the first-ever appearance of two new teams joining the Circle K Classic: Lake Forest Academy, Team Maryland. The tournament will also see the return of Team Illinois, marking their first appearance after a long absence.

Calgary and area teams continue league play leading up to the event, and players and coaches will be available for media interviews following select games:

Saturday, December 20th
Calgary United Pacific Projects (NW) Flames vs. Red Deer Optimist Chiefs
Father David Bauer
2:00 p.m. MST

Saturday, December 20th
Calgary Cannex Buffaloes vs. Okotoks Bowmark Oilers
Cardel Place
6:30 p.m. MST

Fans can look forward to an unforgettable week of elite hockey, culminating in the championship finals on New Year’s Day. The Circle K Classic continues to be a highlight of the hockey calendar, celebrating excellence, tradition, and the next generation of hockey stars.

For more information, visit www.circlekclassic.ca

TICKET INFORMATION (Tickets on sale now)

Tournament Pass:

  • $55 – Visit any Calgary and surrounding area Circle K store and save $10 by scanning the in-store QR code
  • $65 – Available online or at the door

 

Day Pass:

  • $20 – Valid for any round-robin, quarter-final, or semi-final day
  • $25 – Valid for the final day

(fees + GST not included)
(kids 12 & under – FREE)

Media Contact:

Amy Nightingale
General Manager
ckcgm@hockeycalgary.com
# 587-892-8092