Burnaby, B.C. — A U13 team from Burnaby’s sister city of Kushiro, Japan delivered a stellar performance at the 2025 Pat Quinn Classic, winning gold in Flight 2 of the U13 AAA Integrated Division. In the gold medal game on December 30, Kushiro beat the U13 Tier 1 Nanaimo Clippers 3-0.
Throughout the tournament, the Kushiro Blue Stars were undefeated in their four round robin and two playoff games, outscoring their opponents 37-4. This was the Kushiro team’s first appearance at the Pat Quinn Classic.
Travelling more than 6,700 kilometres from Kushiro to Burnaby is an experience of a lifetime for these young players, according to coach Hitomi Nakajima of the East Hokkaido Sports Commission. “Obviously, hockey is most important for them, but they are meeting people and seeing the culture of Canada,” he said. “It’s been a good experience for the kids and an unforgettable memory.” Nakajima was impressed with the facilities in Burnaby, especially the two rinks at the Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre. “I’ve never seen two ice rinks in one facility. It’s amazing.”
One of the Kushiro players, Taira Nakano, was lucky to have his parents and older sister Niko make the trip to Canada with his team. “I was a bit nervous, but after my first three games, I felt comfortable. I am happy,” said Taira. He scored four goals and four assists in the tournament.
His father Takayuki has been to Canada before as a tourist, but this trip is all about hockey. “It’s a great experience for my family and to see new hockey rinks. This is too great.” He began playing the sport as an adult 10 years ago, when his son started playing. During this trip, he used the Hockey Community app to find some pick-up games. “I found three games on the app for drop-in fun games with adults.”
“It’s exciting to be here with my family,” added Taira’s mother Sayaka.
The cultural exchanges with the team from Burnaby’s sister city are just as important as the on-ice games, according to Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley. “I had the pleasure of being in Kushiro last summer and I encouraged them to come to Burnaby. They bring so much to the tournament. These boys can skate and they can play,” said Hurley. “They love hockey, but they also love seeing the other teams and having fun.”
Away from the tournament, the Kushiro team visited sports shops, Kushiro Park on Burnaby Mountain and saw a Vancouver Canucks game. In 2025, the City of Burnaby celebrated 60 years of friendship with its sister city.
Burnaby Minor Hockey defeated Juan de Fuca of Victoria 2-1 to win the bronze in the Flight 2 of U13 AAA Integrated Division.
Other tournament results on December 30:
U11 Female Division
Gold: Burnaby Wildcats U11 A1
Silver: Victoria Reign U11 Development
Bronze: Surrey Female Hockey Association U11 C1
U13 Female Division
Gold: San Jose Jr. Sharks Girls 12AAA (California)
Silver: Burnaby Wildcats Female IHA U13 A1
Bronze: Sno-King Jr. Thunderbirds 12U AAA Girls (Kirkland, Washington)
U13 Integrated Division Flight 1
Gold: Anaheim Jr Ducks 12 AAA (California)
Silver: North Shore Winter Club Winter Hawks (North Vancouver)
Bronze: Campbell River MHA (1) U13 Tier 1 – North Island Bears
Full tournament results are available here.
Story by Sam Corea
Interpretation assistance by Manto Nakamura
Photos by Manto Nakamura
