Esso Minor Hockey Week is the largest minor hockey tournament in the world which sees over 11,000 kids, 651 teams, 3,200 coaches and over 4,000 volunteers. Esso Minor Hockey Week is the Stanley Cup of minor hockey and is taking place between Jan. 8-16, 2016.
For minor hockey players in Calgary, Esso Minor Hockey Week is the most exciting week of hockey during the season. This week determines the best teams in every division. The competition, excitement and anxiety has the whole city on the edge of their “benches.”
Hockey Calgary has been putting this tournament on for 46 years. Esso Minor Hockey Week has a spot in the hearts of all Calgarians. People who played, coached, officiated and cheered during this event 30 years ago are now cheering on the next generation of athletes. This tournament brings people together and creates minor hockey memories for years to come.
Esso Minor Hockey Week By The Numbers:
Years in existence - 46 years including 2016 ** Esso sponsored the last 37**
Number of operating streams - 4
Number of players – more than 11,000
Number of teams - 648
Number of Divisions - 71
Number of associations - 23
Number of HC Directors – 22
Number of League Chairpersons & Co-ordinators - 71
Number of full time staff – 4
Number of coaches - 2,600
Number of team trainers - 648
Number of team managers - 648
Number of parents - LOTS
Number of volunteers - 4,000
Number of games played - 915
Number of Championship games - 71
Number of ice sheets – 54
Number of referees - 475
2016 Opening Ceremonies
Opening Ceremonies:
Date : Friday, Jan. 8, 2016
Time: TBD.
Location: Max Bell Arena 1
Feature Game - REC Hockey