Three 11-year-old Moose Jaw hockey products are suiting up for the Saskatchewan Jr. Pats in one of the most prestigious U11 hockey tournaments in western Canada, the Brick Invitational, in Edmonton, Alberta.  

Cruz Schwabe, Patrick Curtis, and Brady Wilcox, who are all from Moose Jaw and are products of the South Sask Academy here in the city, were selected to take part in the tournament.  

Dayle Wilcox, Director of Operations for the Academy says this event is the biggest the three have been a part of so far in their hockey career.  

“It’s going to be very high-level hockey,” says Wilcox. “I know they’re nervous but they’re also very excited.” 

“They’ve put the time in and worked hard with the Academy over the past two years.” 

To make things more nerve-racking the three kids will be playing in front of thousands of spectators, as most of their games will be played at the West Edmonton Mall.  

Wilcox added from an academy standpoint having not one but three players selected by the Jr. Pats was great to see for their organization.  

“For us it’s huge. That’s why we develop our programming for kids that want more and kids that want to strive to get to a higher level, that’s the goal of our program is to push players to the highest level possible. These three have earned their spot on this team just because of their own hard work and dedication.” 

The Jr. Pats will be competing against teams from all over the United States and Canada, and the best players of their age group.  

The three players will get their first taste of the tournament on Wednesday, as they open up the event against the Toronto Pro Hockey at 12:30 p.m. Thursday they will battle with the BC Junior Canucks, followed by the Team Brick Alberta on Friday. The Jr. Pats will conclude round-robin play on Saturday against Team Minnesota.  

Find the Jr. Pats full schedule and more information on the tournament HERE.