It began on Boxing Day back in 1978. A hockey tournament that would bring top quality Midget AAA players from across Canada and beyond to play against local Calgary teams. Thirty seven years on, it is still vibrant, a show case of the best talent at the 16/17 year age level, young women now as well as young men, competing through the holiday period until New Years day.
Mac’s Midget teams led onto the ice at Max Bell Arena, Calgary
Over the years, three hundred of these athletes have gone on to play for teams in the NHL. But the tournament, organized by Mac’s Convenience Stores, is far more than that. An event where community spirit comes across through the volunteering on and off the ice. The welcoming homes where distant travellers are invited to stay. And the celebration of a game played by 15,000 or so boys and girls in this city. Hockey!
Calgary Royals take a knee while a replacement referee is found.
The opening ceremony at Max Bell Arena on December 26 brought together representatives from all the 25 male and 15 female teams, a fine build up to the final game of the day, Calgary Royals versus the U17 National team from Germany. It was a game full of goals, but sadly none for the local side who got blanked 5-0 by an impressive German side.
German U17 National team setting up a scoring chance versus Calgary Royals
For more photos from the Mac’s Midget World Invitational Championship, please go to:
NixonScan 
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