Will Whitter leads the flyby after scoring against Regina on Sept. 24, 2023. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

By Logan Lehmann

Tough test

Mintos ready to make noise at Circle K Classic

Dec 22, 2023 | 3:00 PM

The Prince Albert Mintos are gearing up to head west as the team is set to play in the Circle K Classic in Calgary next week.

The Mintos were one of three teams in the SMAAAHL to receive an invite to the prestigious tournament as the Swift Current Legionnaires and Warman Wildcats will be joining P.A.

The Mintos are entering the tournament on a four-game skid after winning just once in December, something that head coach Tim Leonard is looking to put in the rearview ahead of embarking to Calgary.

“We’re going to hold some meetings, do some one-on-one talks – talk about [the losing streak] and put it behind us. We’re going to focus on the [tournament] and enjoy ourselves out there, it’s a great experience for these kids. We’ll worry about the second half when we get back practicing in the New Year.”

An overall 32 teams are set to compete at the tournament including teams from Canada, the U.S. and Europe. The Mintos were placed in Pool B along with the Calgary Northwest Flames, OHA Penticton, and the number one ranked U.S. prep school Shattuck-St. Mary’s from Minnesota.

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Leonard talked about his expectations for the tournament as well as his thoughts on some of the competition they are set to face.

“We want to go out there and compete, that’s what we really want to do. There’s some really good teams there with the hockey academy and the teams out of the States. We have Shattuck in our pool so we got our hands full but it’ll be a good test for the [players]. They get a chance to showcase themselves so that’s what we’re focusing on.”

The Mintos will kick off their tournament against Calgary on Wednesday morning with puck drop slated for 11:30 Saskatchewan time, or 10:30 local time.

A full schedule for Prince Albert’s tournament can be found by clicking here.

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com