Okotoks Bowmark Oilers set to play in the prestigious Circle K Classic
The Circle K Classic is nearing, and the Okotoks Bowmark U18 AAA Oilers have been named one of the 32 teams that will be competing.
The Oilers were named to Pool 1 at the start of the month and will play against Detroit Victory Honda, Cariboo Cougars, and the Sioux Falls Power.
The first game for the Oilers comes on December 27 at 10:30 a.m. when they face Detroit Victory Honda to open the tournament at Max Bell Centre in the Ken Bracko Arena. The second game for Okotoks will be held on December 28 with a 6:45 p.m. start time at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex and Chief Jim Starlight Centre to face the Power. The final game of the Pool 1 round-robin will see the Oilers face the Cougars back at Max Bell Centre in the Ken Bracko Arena on December 29 at 1:15 p.m.
The Circle K Classic has been putting on a show since 1978 and features top-tier teams from Canada, the U.S.A., and Europe. Four teams will come away with a trophy as there is an A, B, C, and D division championship at the end of the tournament.
"This year the tournament format will change slightly, providing more teams a shot at claiming the coveted Circle K Classic Championship. In 2022 the tournament format was altered slightly to allow more teams to enter, 32 teams, up from the traditional 25 teams prior to that. During the last few years only one team from each pool advanced past the round-robin stage to compete in the “A” division. This year, however, the top two teams from each of the eight pools – dubbed the “Sweet Sixteen” – will have the chance to advance and compete for the championship. With two additional games added to the schedule, the new format increases the level of competition and ensures that 16 teams will now vie for a spot in the prestigious “A” division final," Circle K Classic explained in a release.
“This new format is a game-changer,” said Hockey Calgary’s Executive Director, Kevin Kobelka in the release. “It reflects our commitment to providing more opportunities for teams to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level without being knocked out from a slow tournament start. Fans can expect even more intense and exciting matchups this year.”
For all the teams taking part in the Circle K Classic with the Pool they will be playing in, click here.
