Brick Hockey Tournament Kicks Off at West Edmonton Mall
Canada's most prestigious under-10 minor hockey tournament runs June 28–July 5 at the Mall, featuring future NHL talent and alumni speakers.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
The 2026 Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament is underway at West Edmonton Mall, with Team Alberta's jersey presentation marking Friday's official start of the prestigious under-10 competition.
The Brick is Canada's most prestigious under-10 minor hockey tournament, running through Sunday, July 5, at the Mall's Ice Palace. Many current NHL players have played in the tournament over the years, including Edmonton Oilers forwards Matt Savoie and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Alumni in attendance included prospects and projected high draft picks.
Team Alberta, an invitation-only team assembled yearly, counts among its past members Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes and Landon DuPont, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NHL draft.
"It's great to see these kids reach this level and get the opportunity to do what was originally thought of when this tournament started — to play against kids at a very high level," said tournament chairman Craig Styles, praising parents and coaching staff for their work.
Former Boston Bruins defenceman Johnny Boychuk, a 2011 Stanley Cup champion, shared advice focused on the bond among teammates. "Being a part of a Stanley Cup team, we were all together. We picked each other up when things don't go your way," Boychuk told the young players. "You guys are going to do great, but most of all, just have fun."
Former Edmonton Oilers player and head coach Craig MacTavish addressed parents' sacrifices. "I commend all the parents here for the time that you've spent with your sons to get them to this level, and the impact you have on your sons is so critical to their success along the way," he said, urging players to focus on fundamentals in an era of high-end individual skill.
Players representing Alberta come from places including Taber and St. Albert. The tournament includes teams from across North America, many NHL-adjacent like the Detroit Junior Red Wings, who won in 2024. All games are played at the West Edmonton Mall Ice Palace.