Two young hockey players from Niverville will represent Manitoba at the end of June at the Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament in Edmonton, Alberta. Ten-year-old teammates and long-time friends Tristan Bray and Will Lux have earned spots on the Manitoba Junior Ice team after competing against more than 130 other players.

Each year, the Brick Invitational welcomes teams of top-performing nine and ten-year-old hockey players from across North America, bringing together some of the strongest youth players on the continent.

“The kids just love to play,” says Lux’s mother, Carisa. “They were scouted for spring hockey while playing at a winter league tournament in Steinbach. We didn’t realize it started this early. But we thought, let’s see what happens. And now here we are.”

The path toward the Brick Invitational typically begins through participation in spring hockey, which generally operates between April and June after the winter season ends. Spring hockey offers additional skill development and higher levels of competition.

“Regular hockey is crazy, but spring hockey is crazier,” says Bray’s mother, Amanda. “We’ve always been very supportive of Tristan. He has always pushed himself to be better and do better. When he goes out on the ice, he puts in 110 percent effort as much as he can.”

Although many athletes who have competed in the tournament have later gone on to play at higher levels, Bray and Lux remain focused on the upcoming challenge, with the support of their families. 

The boys began their hockey journeys on Timbits teams at the age of five, but their love for the game started even earlier.

“From the time that Will could walk, he was carrying a hockey stick,” says Carisa. “There was no question of if, there was just when. He just took to it. It was a passion from day one. [Hockey] teaches them so much about teamwork and friendship. He can walk into almost any rink in Manitoba and know someone. They are building not only physical skills but social skills as well. For me, it’s all about helping Will follow his passion.”

Founded in 1990 by Bill Comrie, owner of The Brick Furniture Store and father of three NHL players, including current Winnipeg Jets’ goalie Eric Comrie, the Brick Invitational has grown into one of the most significant youth hockey tournaments in North America.

Held annually at the West Edmonton Mall’s Ice Palace, the tournament gives young athletes the opportunity to skate where many famous players once competed. Originally capped as an eight-team event, the annual competition now hosts 14 teams from across Canada and the United States and has seen many alumni go on to play in the NHL.

For the two young players, the opportunity to compete at the Brick Invitational is beginning to sink in.

“It’s just joyful,” Lux says. “At first, it’s kind of scary because you don’t know if you made the team. But once you find out, it’s just so exciting and cool. It’s an honour to wear the jersey, and it’s a pretty cool experience to represent Manitoba.”

Bray says the opportunity to compete at the Brick Invitational is something he is especially proud of.

“I’m proud that I get to represent my province and play with some other great players from Manitoba,” says Bray. “I’m looking forward to all of it. Playing lots of different teams, playing in West Edmonton Mall, seeing my name on the wall when I get there and all the fun events.”

Like many young players, Bray and Lux look up their favourite NHLers. Bray’s favourite is Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, while Lux looks up to Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens. Both players competed at the Brick Invitational at the same age.

Amanda and Carisa are both appreciative of the coaches and community volunteers who continue to support the boys, and for the support in fundraising events that opportunities like this often entail.