The Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament, a long-standing competition for 10-year-old hockey players, has been a launchpad for numerous NHL careers. Since its inception in 1990, the tournament held at the West Edmonton Mall has showcased the talents of future stars like Steven Stamkos, Auston Matthews, and Mark Stone. While it's impossible to determine exactly how many Brick alumni will reach the NHL, over 200 have gone on to play professionally. Here's a look at some notable performances by current NHL players at the Brick Invitational:

Cole Caufield (2011)

Caufield's performance at the 2011 Brick Invitational was record-breaking. He was tied for the top three in all-time points at the tournament. He also led the event with five power-play assists, forming a potent power-play duo with Turcotte.

Other Notable Alumni

Many other prominent NHL players have participated in the Brick Invitational, including P.K. Subban, Jordan Eberle, and Brent Seabrook. The 2015 tournament was particularly notable, featuring 39 players who were later drafted into the NHL in 2023, including Connor Bedard, Will Smith, and Tom Willander.

While a strong performance at the Brick Tournament can be an early indicator of potential, it's not a guarantee of future success. Some players who didn't stand out statistically at the Brick, such as Robert Thomas and Jamie Drysdale, have still gone on to have successful NHL careers. The most important aspect of the tournament is ensuring that young players enjoy the sport and continue to develop their skills.