Calgary Hosts 41st Annual Mac’s Midget Tournament
The city of Calgary is hosting their annual Mac’s Midget Tournament.
The World Juniors startup on December 26th but not everyone knows there is another tournament starting on the same day that will showcase future NHL stars. The Mac’s AAA Midget Tournament, hosted in Calgary, Alberta, kicks off on December 26 at 10 a.m. MST.
Many past and present NHL players have played in this tournament and found their way on the wall of fame for their professional accomplishments. Some of those big names include Sidney Crosby, Zach Parise, Mikael Backlund, Braden Holtby. Jarome Iginla, Jonathan Toews, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
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This tournament takes place in various arenas in the Calgary area with the championship game being held at the Calgary Flames’ venue, the Scotiabank Saddledome, following the Calgary Hitmen game on January 1, 2020.
The invite Is international, and this year brings the AK Bars Academy from Russia and the Chicago Mission from the United States. The rest of the 23 participating teams are Canadian.
People attending the tournament have the option to purchase tournament tickets on-site or at local Circle K convenience stores. Families, friends, and fans looking to watch games can find them on the Sports Canada website where 49/57 games are expected to be broadcasted. The tournament is also going to be sharing live-streams and replays from their YouTube channel Macs AAA tournament.
The first three games taking place will be the Calgary Northstars versus the Grande Ernies Sports Storm, the Vancouver NE Chiefs versus the Beardys Blackhawks and the Cariboo Cougars versus the Airdrie CFR Bisons (not streamed). All teams are guaranteed four games in round-robin play and tournament playoffs will begin on Tuesday, December 31.
Last year the St. Albert Raiders took home the trophy but the other teams in attendance will be coming in with the intention of preventing the repeat. For a sneak peek, the Okotoks Bow Mark Oilers and the AK Bars Academy held a charity game for the local food bank on Monday, December 23. At this game, AK Bars won 2-1 in regulation, but the teams opted to play a 3 on 3 overtime for extra practice and a shootout where the Bow Mark Oilers were victorious in both.
dark. Next. Every Team's Greatest Player
This tournament has been going on since 1978 and draws tens of thousands of spectators to Calgary every year. It is a great opportunity for young talent to be showcased in front of Collegiate and NHL scouts. This tournament ends up being a fond memory for all who are involved and creates a path that over 125 other players have made to the NHL. More information and score updates can be found at the Mac’s Midget Tournament website.