Hockey talent showcased in Regina for Male U15, Top 160 tournament

The last weekend of 2024 saw Saskatchewan's best hockey players under 15 years of age showing off their skills at the Co-operators Centre in Regina.

"It's the top 2010-born players in our province that are here this weekend from all over Saskatchewan to showcase their skills to WHL Scouts and CHL Scouts and, the Sask First program, which eventually becomes Team Saskatchewan," Joel Houseman, senior coordinator of high performance for Sask Hockey said.

The tournament takes the best 160 athletes the province has to offer – all chosen at regional camps to show off their skills in the competition.

In February, half will be invited back to take part in the Sask First Top 80 Tournament.

Finally, these athletes will be narrowed down further to the top 20, who will be invited to represent Saskatchewan at the 2025 WHL Cup.

"There's lots of eyes on these players as they're all aspiring to, to get drafted and play U18 Triple A in the spring,” Houseman said.

“It's an exciting year in a hockey player’s career. So, there's lots to play for ... everybody's really excited to be here."

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In addition to the prospect of making team Saskatchewan, many of the athletes are at a pivotal time in their careers as they reach the Western Hockley League draft.

Many WHL scouts were in attendance over the weekend, as they prepare for the 2025 draft.

"It's a great opportunity for all the scouts in Western Canada to come to one location to watch the top end of the players,” Houseman explained.

“It's easy for them to come here to the Co-operators Centre, which is great, and see them all in the same spot for three days and compare them against each other as they start building their draft lists."