Burnaby, B.C. – For first time since 2019, minor hockey players from 45 teams will be on the ice in Burnaby in late December for the Annual Pat Quinn Classic.
This year marks the sixth edition of the tournament following cancellations in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2022 tournament will welcome six teams from the United States, including Washington, California and Arizona along with 14 teams from the interior, northern B.C. and Vancouver Island. The rest are from the Lower Mainland.
“We are thrilled to be back,” said Cliff Ronning, honourary chair of the Pat Quinn Classic. “We are looking forward to seeing young hockey players compete and show their skills in a professionally run tournament. This annual celebration of hockey began 60 years ago in Burnaby and we are proud to continue that tradition under the name of Pat Quinn.”
In addition to the on-ice competition, Ronning says the Pat Quinn Classic brings the people together. “With support from the community, our sponsors and the City of Burnaby, we are proud of this effort to create a memorable experience for all participants.”
Since 1962, Burnaby has hosted a holiday season minor hockey tournament. Over the years, the event has grown to the largest and longest-running tournament of its kind, attracting teams from Canada and the United States.
This year, teams will compete in six divisions from December 27 to 31, 2022.
The 2022 Pat Quinn Classic divisions:
December 27 to 30
- Female U13 Elite
December 28 to 31 (Integrated divisions are open to male and female participants)
- Integrated U15 Elite
- Integrated U15 Flight 1
- Integrated U15 Flight 2
- Integrated U13 Elite
- Integrated U13 Flight 1
The Pat Quinn Classic is supported by the City of Burnaby and Sport Burnaby. The Province of B.C. is also a supporter of the tournament with contributions from its Tourism Events Program and the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund. Tournament organizers gratefully acknowledge this financial support from the Province.
In addition to raising more than $55,000 for the Pat Quinn Scholarship Fund since 2015, the tournament also attracts a significant number of hockey scouts. Since 2015, 170 tournament players have been drafted to the Western Hockey League.
U15 players in the 2022 Pat Quinn Classic are also eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship. Three scholarships, sponsored by Vancouver Canucks Alumni Association, are available for applicants who demonstrate leadership on the ice, strong academics, and a commitment to giving back to their community.
Pat Quinn Classic – by the numbers
- 4,100+ players have participated in the tournament since 2015
- Burnaby has hosted a holiday season minor hockey tournament since 1962
- The Pat Quinn Classic has raised $75,000 for the Pat Quinn Scholarship Fund
- 170 tournament players have been drafted to the Western Hockey League
- The Vancouver Canuck Alumni Association has issued $11,000 in scholarships to worthy tournament players
The Bill Copeland Sports Centre, in Burnaby Sport Park, is the feature rink for the 2022 Pat Quinn Classic. Other venues include Burnaby Lake Arena, Burnaby Winter Club, Kensington Arena, Scotia Barn and Planet Ice Coquitlam.
MEDIA CONTACT: info@patquinnclassic.com
BACKGROUNDER – THE PAT QUINN CLASSIC
The Burnaby Minor Hockey Association began hosting the annual December Bantam hockey tournament in 1962. It is now the longest-running event of its kind in the world. The tournament became the Pat Quinn Classic in 2015, named after the legendary player, coach, general manager and team owner. Pat Quinn is internationally-recognized as one of the hockey’s greatest coaches and ambassadors. Proceeds go to the Pat Quinn Scholarship Fund. Managed by Hockey Canada, the fund supports players in post-secondary education after their hockey careers. Quinn is one of the most recognizable faces in Canadian sport and has made an enormous contribution to sport in British Columbia and Canada.
The objective of the Pat Quinn Classic is to create a top international-calibre tournament in Western Canada to showcase local teams alongside some of the strongest programs in Canada, the U.S. and around the world. Organizers worked with the Quinn family to create a unique tournament that strikes the right balance between exciting hockey, skill and leadership development and community engagement. Pat motivated players at all levels to work hard on the ice and live with passion and integrity off the ice. The vision of this tournament exemplifies his love of hockey and his unwavering commitment to give back to the community.
After being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pat Quinn Classic returns for a sixth edition in December 2022.