51st annual Vernon Coca Cola Classic hockey tournament runs Thursday to Sunday at Kal Tire Place North (submitted photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Kal Tire Place North

It’s a classic: 51st annual Vernon hockey tournament hits the ice

Feb 8, 2024 | 5:00 AM

Teams from around B.C., along with Alberta and even California, are in Vernon for an event that has been held for over half a century.

The 51st annual Coca Cola Classic Pee Wee Under 13 hockey tournament will be held at Kal Tire Place North from Thursday, Feb. 8, to Sunday Feb. 11.

The event uses the slogan “The stars of tomorrow are here today,” a reference to the 120 participants who have been drafted by NHL teams over the years. That list includes the likes of Mathew Barzal (Burnaby 2008), Josh Morrissey (Calgary 2008), Morgan Reilly (Hollyburn 2006) and Barry Pederson (Nanaimo 1974).

Twenty-four Vernon area products who played in the tournament went on to be drafted by NHL teams including Curtis Lazar (2007), Jerred Smithson (1992), Brent Gilchrist (1979) and Rudy Poeschek (1978) to name just a few.

The eight teams taking part this year are the Vernon Watkin Motors Mustangs, Calgary Royals, California Goldrush and Okotoks Oilers in the Coca Cola Division, along with the Coquitlam Chiefs, East Kootenay Avalanche, Penticton Knights and St. Albert Raiders in the Sun Valley Division.

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The Raiders are the defending A division champions from last year.

Committee member John Doorman said the tournament is held in conjunction with Vernon Winter Carnival, and the working relationship between the two groups is even stronger this year.

“Carnival’s executive director Kris Fuller and the board are doing a great job putting this year’s events together and have sponsored our tournament pucks, so not only will you see the Classic logo on the pucks, but also the Winter Carnival logo on the other side. Our committee asked Kris to drop the ceremonial puck at centre ice during the opening ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 5:30,” Doorman told Beach Radio.

Vernon, under head coach Brad Cruikshank, will face off against Okotoks in the opening game Thursday at 8 a.m. and then play California at 5:45 p.m.

See the complete schedule here.

Committee member Trevor Keenan said Coca Cola has been the event’s main sponsor since its inception in 1972, and they also have a number of legend sponsors which are vital to its ongoing success.

“We also can’t say enough about our volunteers that make this tournament special. We honour one of those volunteers every tournament with a plaque to celebrate their service with the Rienie Holland award. Some have served for decades,” Keenan said.

Tournament pins for a four-day tournament pass can be purchased at the door of KTP North for $10 for adults.

The A, B, C and D event finals will be held on Sunday.

The headquarters for the tournament and a banquet on Saturday is the Best Western Premium on Anderson Way.

Click here for the tournament schedule and more details.

Click here to read the 2024 tournament program.