For the first time since 2019, the Brantford Minor Hockey Association is hosting the Wayne Gretzky International Hockey Tournament from December 27-30.
In its 51st year, the tournament will welcome 104 teams across 16 divisions, with ages ranging from U8 all the way up to U18.
In past years, the tournament has welcomed international teams from the United States, Finland and Norway. With the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and changing travel restrictions, this year’s tournament will include only domestic teams.
Each of the 16 divisions includes a hometown Brantford 99ers team. Visiting teams will travel to Brantford from Kitchener, the Greater Toronto Area, Sudbury, London, Wasaga, and other towns across Ontario.
Games will take place at six different arenas in Brantford and Brant County including the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, Civic Centre, Lions Park, Brant Sports Complex, Burford Community Centre, and Gaukel Memorial Community Centre.
The tournament kicks off on Tuesday, December 27, with official opening ceremonies taking place on Wednesday, December 28 at 7:30 p.m. on Rink 1 at the Gretzky Centre. The opening ceremony game will feature the Brantford 99ers under-16 A team playing Sudbury’s Copper Cliff.
Check out the Brant Beacon for extensive coverage of this year’s tournament.
