By Jaeden Demelo

Cariboo Cougars

Cariboo Cougars prepare for Circle K Classic tournament

Dec 19, 2024 | 4:12 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— The U18 AAA Cariboo Cougars are preparing for their biggest tournament of the year, the Circle K Classic in Calgary. The tournament kicks of on December 27 and crowns a champion on New Years Day 2025.

The tournament has produced more than 80 players to play in the NHL and many more that have gone on to play professional hockey.

“It’s a huge opportunity. I’ve heard NHL scouts will be there, major junior as well and it’s just great,” said Cougars forward Lucas Woodbeck.

“It’ll be great for us to go to Calgary, showcase what we have and the talent we have in this room, and obviously big for guys looking for spots to play next year,” said Cougars goaltender Andrik Lygas.

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The tournament brings together 32 of some of the best U18 AAA teams from all over the country, the USA and even Europe.

“It’s just a great chance for us to gauge ourself against some teams outside of BC and outside of our league. We get to see a couple American teams in our pool, Sioux Falls, North Dakota, and Detroit for Michigan. Then obviously a good team from Okotoks in the Alberta League,” said Cougars Head Coach Tyler Brough on the opportunity for the team.

Games are expected to have an average of 3000 fans per game in the round robin, and that only grows as the knockout stages progress.

“With lots of people watching, you always want to go out there and perform good. It’s electric, I love playing with lots of fans watching. It’s awesome,” said Cougars forward Jack Tidsbury

The Cariboo Cougars are hoping to win the tournament for the first time since 2014 and it all starts December 27, when they kick it off against Sioux Falls.

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Email: jaeden.demelo@pattisonmedia.com