(Red Deer U18 AAA Optimist Chiefs/Facebook)

By Ian Gustafson

Best of the best

Red Deer Optimist Chiefs earn invitation to Circle K Classic

Nov 22, 2025 | 8:00 AM

The Red Deer Optimist Chiefs are headed to the 2025-26 Circle K Classic U18 AAA hockey tournament in Calgary this December.

Tournament organizers recently announced all 32 teams that received an invitation to the tournament on Wednesday, formerly known as the Mac’s Midget AAA World Invitational.

Since 1978, teams from across Canada, the United States, and Europe have competed in the holiday tradition, which features the best U18 AAA squads in hockey.

The pools and schedule for the tournament are yet to be decided, but game action will commence on Dec. 27 through to Jan. 1, 2026, at the Max Bell Arena.

Optimist Chiefs head coach Bob Rutz said it’s really exciting for the players and the team.

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Rutz previously served as an assistant coach for the Chiefs when they participated in the tournament in 2007. He also played in the classic in the late 1980s.

“As a player, I still remember it even though it was years ago, so I can only imagine how excited our players are to be able to go because it’s been a while since this program has been invited to the tournament,” he said. “I know our guys are really excited about attending.”

Red Deer last played in the tournament in 2018-19, where they posted a 1-3 record and in 2017-18, when they lost to the Regina Pat Canadians in the final.

According to the Circle K Classic website, the Optimist Chiefs won the tournament in 1978.

“I want the guys to just enjoy it and take it all in. You’re playing in front of a packed rink and get to play competition you don’t normally get to play,” he said. “I would say to just enjoy the moment, embrace it, and without putting extra pressure on yourself, just try and perform the best you can.”

The Circle K Classic is not only well attended by spectators but also scouts from the collegiate and professional levels.

“Trying to find that balance between being happy you’re there or enjoying the moment, and then trying to perform at a level where you can show your gifts and strengths to all the scouts watching,” Rutz added.

The Chiefs, Rutz explained, filled out an application to attend the classic, but earning a spot is not that easy. A committee from the tournament monitors how all the teams that applied are doing, not only in league play, but also in tournaments.

The Optimist Chiefs are a part of the Alberta Elite Hockey League, where they currently sit in fourth place in the South Division with an 8-4 record. However, their overall record is 12-5 after attending a Canadian Sport School Hockey League tournament in Vernon, B.C., where they went 4-1.

Rutz said they’ve emphasized to the players this year the importance of being ultra-competitive as individuals and as a team.

So far, he’s liked how they’ve progressed and developed. When they’re playing well, the Chiefs are aggressive on the forecheck, force turnovers, and in the offensive zone, they move the puck well.

“The X’s and O’s don’t matter if you don’t compete in all situations; you’re probably not going to be a high-end team,” he added. “Be ultra competitive so that it doesn’t matter who you play, you give your team a chance to be successful.”

As for his team’s chances in the tournament?

“This team has surprised me quite a bit already, so you never know. I don’t count these guys out. We’re looking forward to it.”