One of Canada's largest minor hockey tournaments is returning to Edmonton

The Brick is back. 

The Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament is returning from a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic with an expanded format that’ll feature multiple age groups for the first time ever. 

The tournament is adding a segment for 2011-born players in lieu of the tournament that was cancelled last year. It will take place from Wednesday, June 29 to Sunday, July 3. The regular tournament, featuring 2012-born players, will also take place from Monday, July 4 to Sunday, July 10. 

“We could not be happier to be returning to the ice this summer at the West Edmonton Mall Ice Palace to once again provide these young athletes and their families with an unparalleled experience, showcasing some of the best 10- and 11-year-old hockey players from across North America,” said Craig Styles, Tournament Chairman, in a statement.

“We can’t wait to welcome our 14 returning teams in both tournaments and award The Brick Cup to new champions after our two-year hiatus.”

The 33rd annual Brick Invitational is underway! Watch live games: https://t.co/hmlCXefuw6 pic.twitter.com/7W7v0d0R3g

— Brick Hockey (@brickhockey) June 29, 2022

The tournament, founded in 1990 by Bill Comrie, historically has been for players aged 10 and younger. 

Twenty-eight teams from across North America will compete in this year’s tournament.

“When planning for this year’s edition, it was an obvious decision for us to create a second tournament for the players who missed out on last year and we can’t thank our partners, sponsors and volunteers enough for their efforts in making this happen,” Styles said.

The Brick Invitational is one of the premier minor hockey tournaments in the world, with hundreds of tournament players eventually graduating to the junior, university, university, and professional ranks. 

In all, 112 tournament participants have gone on to play in the NHL, including Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award winner Auston Matthews and Toronto Maple Leafs teammates Morgan Rielly and Mitchell Marner, Tampa Bay Lightning forwards Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos, Vancouver Canucks centre Bo Horvat, Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau, Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

You might also like:
• Who the Oilers could target with their picks at the 2022 NHL Draft
• 5 goaltenders the Oilers could consider if Mike Smith doesn’t return
• "Jay delivered": Holland excited for Woodcroft to return as Oilers coach