Sun Peaks Outdoor Classic Showcases Top U18AA Teams

There’s something special about hockey in the mountains. Maybe it’s the crisp December air, the echo of skates on an open-air sheet of ice, or the unmistakable energy that comes with teams arriving from across Canada, each chasing the chance to compete under the lights at one of the most unique rinks in the country.

From December 4th to 7th, Sun Peaks Resort will once again host the U18AA Tier 1 Sun Peaks Outdoor Classic, a tournament that has quickly become one of the most sought-after events of the season. Now in its fourth year, the tournament was full in record time and drew an 11-team waitlist, a clear sign that the reputation of this event, and this setting, continues to grow.

Players, families, and fans will gather at the resort’s covered, open-air NHL-sized rink, just steps from the village. It’s a setting unlike anything else in youth hockey: mountain views, fresh snow, and the kind of atmosphere that makes every game feel like something bigger.

This year’s host team, the Kamloops U18AA Tier 1 Blazers, will take the ice under the leadership of head coach Michael Sutherland - a partner at MJB Lawyers, longtime minor hockey and baseball coach, and former WHL goaltender who knows a thing or two about pressure, teamwork, and big-moment hockey.

For Michael, the event is more than just a tournament.

“Sun Peaks has created a truly special experience for the players. You can feel the energy the moment you step onto the ice. It’s competitive, it’s fun, and for these athletes, it’s a memory they’ll carry long after the final buzzer,” says Sutherland.

Before his legal career, Michael played for the Lethbridge Broncos and Swift Current Broncos in the WHL, won a Cyclone Taylor Cup with his hometown Cranbrook Colts, and spent time with the Kelowna Packers, Vernon Lakers, and Nanaimo Clippers. Today, he continues to give back through coaching, community volunteering, and supporting youth sport in the region, one of the many reasons he was named Kamloops Minor Hockey Rep Coach of the Year twice.

For MJB Lawyers, supporting events like the Outdoor Classic is an extension of their long-standing commitment to the communities they serve. Their involvement isn’t just about sponsorship, it’s about creating opportunities for young athletes and strengthening the fabric of Kamloops and the surrounding region.

“Hockey teaches resilience, teamwork, and confidence—skills that matter far beyond the rink,” Sutherland adds. “As a firm, we’re proud to support events that bring people together and contribute to the incredible sports culture we have here.”

With teams arriving from across Canada, the tournament promises four days of fast-paced hockey, community spirit, and winter magic in one of B.C.’s most scenic destinations. Families and fans are encouraged to come watch, cheer loudly, and experience a tournament that has quickly grown into a national standout.

The puck drops December 4th. The mountains are ready. And so is the community.

Event Details - Come Watch the Action (Free Admission)

The U18AA Tier 1 Sun Peaks Outdoor Classic runs December 4th to 7th at the Sun Peaks covered NHL-sized outdoor rink, located just steps from the village centre. Games begin each morning and run through the afternoon and early evening, with teams from across Canada hitting the ice throughout all four days.

Admission is completely free, and spectators are encouraged to stop by, bundle up, and take in some of the most competitive U18AA hockey you’ll see all season. With mountain views, resort energy, and a full slate of talented teams, it’s the perfect winter outing for families, hockey fans, and anyone visiting Sun Peaks that week.

U18AA Tier 1 Tournament Schedule — Sun Peaks Arena

Thursday, December 4, 2025

• 9:00–11:15 AM — Leduc ROUGHNECKS (A2) vs. North Island Bears (A4)

• 11:30 AM–1:45 PM — Nanaimo Clippers (B4) vs. Newmarket Renegades (B3)

• 2:00–4:15 PM — Chilliwack Bruins (B1) vs. Beaumont Athletic Club (B2)

• 4:30–6:45 PM — Thompson Blazers (A1) vs. Brantford 99ers (A3)

Friday, December 5, 2025

• 9:00–11:15 AM — North Island Bears (A4) vs. Brantford 99ers (A3)

• 11:30 AM–1:45 PM — Nanaimo Clippers (B4) vs. Chilliwack Bruins (B1)

• 2:00–4:15 PM — Leduc ROUGHNECKS (A2) vs. Thompson Blazers (A1)

• 4:30–6:45 PM — Newmarket Renegades (B3) vs. Beaumont Athletic Club (B2)

Saturday, December 6, 2025

• 9:00–11:15 AM — Brantford 99ers (A3) vs. Leduc ROUGHNECKS (A2)

• 11:30 AM–1:45 PM — Newmarket Renegades (B3) vs. Chilliwack Bruins (B1)

• 2:00–4:15 PM — North Island Bears (A4) vs. Thompson Blazers (A1)

• 4:30–6:45 PM — Beaumont Athletic Club (B2) vs. Nanaimo Clippers (B4)

Sunday, December 7, 2025 — Playoffs

• 8:00–10:15 AM — Playoff Game

• 10:30 AM–12:45 PM — Playoff Game

• 1:00–3:15 PM — Playoff Game

• 3:30–5:45 PM — Playoff Game