About Esso Minor Hockey Week

Esso Minor Hockey Week is the largest minor hockey tournament in the world which sees over 13,000 kids, 658 teams, 3,400 coaches and over 6,000 volunteers. Esso Minor Hockey Week is the Stanley Cup of minor hockey and is taking place between January 9 - 17, 2026.

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 55 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 - 55 years including 2026 ** Esso has sponsored the last 46**              
Number of players – more than 13,000                   
Number of teams - 658
Number of Divisions - 59
Number of associations - 18
Number of HC Governors – 10
Number of League Chairpersons & Co-ordinators - 52
Number of full time staff – 6
Number of coaches - 3,496
Number of team managers - 658
Number of parents/grandparents - Countless
Number of volunteers - Countless
Number of games played - 896
Number of rinks - 59 ice surfaces at 38 venues
Number of Championship games - 59
Number of referees - over 950

2026 Opening Ceremonies

Opening Ceremonies

Date : Friday January 9, 2026

Time: 5:45PM

Location: Max Bell Arena - Perry Cavanagh

Feature Game 

CBHA U13 AAA Wranglers vs CRAA U13 AAA Royals Gold

Date: Friday January 9, 2026

Time: 6:00PM

Location: Max Bell Arena - Perry Cavanagh