Circle K Classic
Dec. 4, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE CIRCLE K CLASSIC: ONE YEAR STRONG, UNVEILING
TOP PLAYERS, TEAMS AND SCOUTING EXCELLENCE
CALGARY, AB - As the Circle K Classic marks its one-year anniversary since rebranding, the
tournament gears up for a spectacular showcase of talent, top teams and enhanced scouting
opportunities. The Circle K Classic, formerly the Mac's U18AAA Tournament, has grown into a
world-renowned hockey prospect tournament event over the course of its 45-year history.
Top Players
The tournament features a remarkable lineup of 2008-born players, including Daxon Rudolph,
Riley Boychuck, Mathis Preston, Keaton Verhoeff, Liam Ruck, Brett Liske, Joe Iginla, Cruz
Pavao, Aaron Sawatzky, Griffin Darby, Beckett Hamilton, Giorgos Pantelas, Markus Ruck and
Carter Esler. Notably, 17 of the 19 players on RHA Kelowna's roster have either been drafted or
signed with a WHL team, the most among all participating teams.
Highlighting this year's roster are three standout 2009 underage players, Landon Dupont from
The Edge School and Eli McKamey from Shawnigan Lake School. Both players currently hold
the #1 and #2 spots in early rankings for the 2024 WHL Draft.
“As we celebrate a year of the Circle K Classic, we also celebrate the unwavering commitment
of young athletes who continue to redefine the future of hockey and pave the way for the next
generation,” says Circle K Classic General Manager of hockey operations, Chris Leinweber.
Team Highlights
The Circle K Classic boasts an impressive array of top-ranked teams, with 11 of Canada's top
20 U18AAA teams participating in this year's tournament. The USA 18U division features
powerhouses like Shattuck St. Mary's, which boasts 10 NCAA Division 1 commitments.
Shattuck St. Mary's is the last team to win the tournament three times in a row and South
Alberta Hockey Academy aims to replicate that success this year.
Scouting Excellence
The Circle K Classic remains a hotspot for scouts, attracting over 400 scouts from various
Junior Leagues across Canada, the USHL, NAHL, NCAA schools and representatives from the
US National Development Program. Additionally, the tournament has historically been attended
by several NHL scouts, giving the players the opportunity to showcase their skills on a big
stage.
"The exposure these young athletes receive here can be a game-changer,” says Chris. “The
Circle K Classic provides a crucial platform for them to be seen by scouts at all levels, including
the NHL.”
Games will take place at Max Bell Centre and Seven Chiefs Sportsplex.Tickets go on sale
starting December 12th, with special in-store pricing at Circle K locations. For more information
about the tournament, visit, www.circlekclassic.ca.
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About the Circle K Classic:
The Circle K Classic is a prestigious ice hockey tournament held annually in December for U18
players hosted in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The tournament was first held in 1978 as the CP
Challenge Cup, the tournament currently features 32 male teams from across Canada, the
United States and Europe.
Media Contact:
Chris Leinweber
General Manager of Hockey Operations, Circle K Classic
ckcgm@hockeycalgary.com
587-897-7125
2023-24 Circle K Classic : “Its Your Turn”
