The spotlight of the Circle K Classic, one of the premier under-18 AAA hockey tournaments, is not expected to overwhelm the Calgary UPP Flames. The local squad carries the confidence of proven champions into the event, having captured the provincial title just last season.
Championship Experience Fuels Confidence
Captain Josh Carreiro stated his team is "not scared of the moment … not at all." He emphasized the value of having eight returning players from the championship roster. "Being in the big moment like provincials last year, it's prepared us for this kind of thing," Carreiro explained. He anticipates numerous high-pressure situations throughout the tournament's pool play and believes their past success is a key asset.
Dominant Run from Last Season Continues
The Flames' championship pedigree is undeniable. In the 2024-25 Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL) playoffs, they dominated with only one loss across nine games. They capped the run by sweeping the Sherwood Park Kings 3-0 in the finals. That winning form has largely carried into the current season.
Through the first part of the schedule, the Flames posted an impressive record. They enjoyed an unbeaten streak in the AEHL during the first eleven days of December. Their only two setbacks came in the weeks leading up to the Circle K Classic: a 4-3 loss to the Northstars on December 12 and a 6-2 defeat by the Red Deer Chiefs on December 20.
Strong Standing Heading into the Tournament
These results have given the Flames a formidable 17-2-0-1-2 record for an AEHL-best 37 points. This puts them nine points clear of their closest rivals in the South Division, the Calgary Buffaloes and the Calgary Northstars. This outstanding performance solidifies their status as the top contender among the four Calgary-based host teams for the Circle K Classic.
The Flames began their tournament journey with a feature game against the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes on Saturday, December 27th, at the Max Bell Centre. "I feel like our team this year, we've put ourselves in a good position to have a really good chance this tournament to win," added Carreiro. "It's a huge tournament. Growing up in Calgary, too, you watch it and you go every year. So it means a lot."
Tournament action continues on Day 2, Sunday, with a notable matchup featuring two teams with strong Circle K histories: the Vancouver NE Chiefs and the two-time champion South Alberta Hockey Academy.
