Burnaby, B.C. – Minor hockey players from more than 50 teams are expected to be in Burnaby at the end of December for the sixth edition of the Pat Quinn Classic.
After being cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers are planning a top tournament experience for young players under protocols to maximize the safety of all participants.
“We are taking a cautious approach as we return to the ice,” said Cliff Ronning, honourary chair of the Pat Quinn Classic. “Safety is at the forefront of all of our plans to make sure all players, coaches, scouts and spectators can enjoy and participate in this annual celebration of hockey in Burnaby.”
“Burnaby is thrilled to be a part of a safe return to sport,” said Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley. “The Pat Quinn Classic has always been an exceptional showcase for young hockey players and future stars. This year, as we follow all public health protocols, we will be able to continue that tradition for players and fans right here in Burnaby. We are all looking forward to seeing hockey and people again.”
The 2021 tournament will follow provincial health policy and safety measures for indoor youth sport events. Players under the age of 21 do not require full proof of vaccination to participate in the tournament, but coaches, team managers and all spectators over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated. Masks must be worn in all arenas, except when players are on the ice.
The 2021 tournament features seven divisions:
December 27 to 30
- Female U13 AAA
- Female U15 AAA
December 28 to 31
- Male U13 AAA Elite Flight 1
- Male U13 AAA Flight 2 (new)
- Male U15 AAA Flight 1
- Male U15 AAA Flight 2 (new)
- Male U15 AAA Elite
Supported by the City of Burnaby and Sport Burnaby, in addition to raising more than $55,000 for the Pat Quinn legacy fund since 2015, the tournament also attracts a significant number of hockey scouts. Over the past six years, 170 tournament players have been drafted to the Western Hockey League.
In addition to competing for trophies, U15 players in the 2021 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 for nearly 60 years, starting in 1962
- The Pat Quinn Classic has raised $55,000 for the Pat Quinn Scholarship Fund
- 170 tournament players have been drafted to the Western Hockey League
- The Vancouver Canuck Alumni Association has issued $9,000 in scholarships to worthy tournament players
The Bill Copeland Sports Centre, in Burnaby Sport Park, is the feature rink for the 2021 Pat Quinn Classic. Other venues include Burnaby Lake Arena, Burnaby Winter Club, Kensington Arena, Scotia Barn and Planet Ice Coquitlam.
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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’s 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 Legacy 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 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pat Quinn Classic returns for a sixth edition in December 2021.