62nd Quikcard minor hockey week kicks off across the Edmonton region
Posted January 10, 2026 2:37 pm.
Last Updated January 10, 2026 2:39 pm.
For the 62nd year, Quikcard Minor Hockey Week is taking over rinks and recreation centres across the Edmonton region.
More than 13,000 players, ranging from U7 to U18, representing 698 teams, will compete in 904 games across the capital region.
“It’s a rite of passage,” said Kylee Quinn, Hockey Edmonton’s marketing and communications director. “It’s a tradition for our hockey community. We’ve had former NHL players, WHL stars, and PWHL players start out at Quikcard Minor Hockey Week in their early days and go on to the next level.”
Inside one of the rinks at Terwillegar Rec Centre on Friday night, kids under the age of nine were likely staying up past their bedtimes. The Whitemud West club kicked off its tournament with a pair of games that took up the entire rink.
While many parents watched closely from the stands, Brett Manyluk focused on capturing photos and videos of his seven-year-old son, Flynn, in action.
“He’s learning as much as he can and catching up with the rest of the team,” Manyluk said. “I think he’s doing great. We’re really proud of him, and mostly he’s just here to have fun.”
Asked about the game, Flynn was quick to praise his teammates.
“I think they did really well with passing the puck away from the goalie, passing the puck into our goal, and just normal passing,” he said.
“A great game, great defence,” added teammate Anthony Tappenden. “But the other team was really defensive too — pretty good players and a pretty good goalie.”
Both players say they look up to the Edmonton Oilers, especially Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. While dreams of the big leagues may be far off, they’re already bracing for the grind of the tournament.
“The next game, I might make a little mistake, like trip over a few players,” Tappenden admitted. “I accidentally bumped into someone on the girls’ team. We weren’t looking the right way and just collided a little.”
Quikcard Minor Hockey Week culminates with all championship games taking place at Terwillegar Rec Centre on January 17 and 18.
