The 46th Annual John Reid Memorial U15 AAA Tournament Returns to St. Albert, January 16-19, 2025

St. Albert, AB – The 46th annual John Reid Memorial U15 AAA tournament, a marquee event in the Canadian youth hockey calendar, will be hosted in St. Albert from January 16 to January 19, 2025. This elite competition continues its tradition of showcasing top-level talent from across Canada and the United States.

Established in 1979 as the Territorial Leasing Sabres tournament by the Kinsmen Minor Hockey Association under the leadership of Blaine Galbraith, the event initially served as a platform for local talent, including the St. Albert Sabres, to compete against teams from Alberta and Western Canada. The tournament quickly grew in stature and, in 1985, evolved into a Bantam A Major competition, paving the way for its current U15 AAA format.

The tournament’s history is rich with milestones. It expanded to 12 teams in 1994 and adopted its current 16-team format in 2009. Renamed in 1993 as the Gregg Distributors Tournament under the tenure of coach John Reid, the event was rechristened the John Reid Memorial in 2004 after Mr. Reid’s passing following a battle with cancer. The tournament honors his legacy and commitment to youth hockey.

Over the decades, the John Reid Memorial has featured teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and several U.S. states, including Texas, Arizona, Washington, Colorado, and California. In 2014, it welcomed HC Kometa from the Czech Republic, marking the first appearance by a European team.

This annual tournament has served as a launchpad for over 160 NHL alumni, including hockey legends and current stars such as Rob Brown, Rod Brind’Amour, Vincent Lecavalier, Scott and Rob Niedermayer, Jarome Iginla, Eric Staal, Jonathan Toews, Jordan Eberle, Brendan Gallagher, Jaden Schwartz, Colton Parayko, Morgan Rielly, Matt Barzal, and Dylan Cozens.

Since the introduction of the Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft in 1990, the John Reid Memorial has become an essential event for WHL scouts and team personnel. Each year, more than 100 junior scouts, including representatives from NHL organizations, attend the tournament to identify promising young talent.

The St. Albert community remains a gracious host, proud to be associated with this prestigious event. While the St. Albert Sabres have won the tournament only once (in 1983) and finished as runners-up in 1996 and 1997, their dedication to youth development and sportsmanship exemplifies the spirit of the tournament.

Hockey fans and scouts alike are eagerly anticipating the 2025 edition, which promises intense competition, remarkable skill, and the opportunity to witness the future stars of hockey in action.