PRESS RELEASE
November 9, 2022
THE MAC’S U18AAA TOURNAMENT WELCOMES IN A NEW ERA UNDER A NEW NAME: THE CIRCLE K CLASSIC
CALGARY, AB | Since 1978, the Mac’s U18AAA Tournament played host to teams from across Canada, the United States, and Europe. This year, the tournament, hosted in Calgary from December 27th to January 1st, will start a new era with a rebrand to the Circle K Classic, a move Circle K is excited to announce. “As a proud and active member of our communities, we are excited to once again renew our commitment to this longstanding and world-class tournament that has been a pillar in the Calgary community for the past 44 years. We are thrilled to continue to be the title sponsor of the event now with our Circle K name and brand” said Marc Gelinas, Vice President of Western Canada for Circle K.
This year’s tournament will host our largest event to date with 32 teams attending. The teams will be announced to the public on November 21st and pools/schedules to be announced early December at the traditional Press Conference. Teams will be comprised of: 6 Calgary and area teams, the top teams from the AEHL, BCEHL, SMAAAHL, and CSSHL as of November 15th as well as select teams from Eastern Canada. We are also excited to bring 6 teams from the United States and 1 European team. This edition of the tournament will only feature the male division due to an already established December female tournament hosted by Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan.
“While we look to the future with a new name, we cannot forget the foundation that built this great event over the past 44 years. The logo has changed but the legacy of great competition, maximum exposure, and unmatched player experience have not” said Jesse Hale, General Manager of the tournament. “This edition of the tournament brings a renewed level of excitement with the return to the traditional Christmas timing, increased participation from international teams, and the top competition from around Canada. We cannot wait to drop the puck!”
The enhancements made to last years tournament will carry through with the broadcast of every game via HockeyTV, online ticket sales, and the expansion of teams making this the largest tournament in its’ history.
“We look forward to hosting a post-pandemic tournament for the first time in 3 years and welcoming back spectators, teams and volunteers for another great Christmas of hockey” mentioned General Manager Hale.
Games will take place at Max Bell Centre and Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Jim Starlight Centre. Tickets are on sale online now. For more information and to get your tickets 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.
For media and/or sponsorship inquiries, please contact:
Jesse Hale
General Manager, Circle K Classic
macsgm@hockeycalgary.com
403-819-6282