By Hockey Saskatchewan

BALGONIE, Sask. – The road to the 2027 Canada Winter Games continues as the Sask First Male Under-15 (U15) Top 80 Tournament returns to the Balgonie Arena from February 13 to 15, 2026.

This annual event, organized by Hockey Saskatchewan in partnership with the Western Hockey League (WHL), brings together the province’s most promising 2011-born players for a weekend of intense competition.

Following the Top 160 Tournament in December 2025, 80 players have advanced to this next stage of evaluation, where they will be divided into four teams and put to the test in a round-robin format.

Tournament Hub – Click Here For Rosters & Schedule/Game Statistics

Beyond the on-ice battles, the Top 80 Tournament plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Saskatchewan hockey. This is the third evaluation phase in the Sask First program, with top players earning opportunities for further development and exposure. Scouts and representatives from the WHL, and the Saskatchewan Male Under-18 AAA Hockey League, and Hockey Saskatchewan will be closely evaluating the action to identify emerging talent.

The excitement begins on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 13, as teams take to the ice for the opening practices and matchups. Throughout the weekend, players will seize the opportunity to impress evaluators in a competitive yet development-focused environment. The tournament will reach its peak on Sunday, Feb. 15, with the final matchups, offering a dramatic conclusion to a weekend filled with standout performances.

With the Sask First program serving as a proven launching pad for future hockey success, this event is a must-watch for anyone invested in the province’s hockey landscape. Fans, media, and scouts alike will be treated to a weekend of exhilarating hockey, where the advancing top 30 athletes will move on toward selections for Team Saskatchewan and compete at the 2027 Canada Winter Games in Quebec.

Media members seeking further details can reach out to Hockey Saskatchewan’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Joseph Laprairie, via email at JosephL@HockeySask.ca or by calling (306) 789-5101.

Stay connected with Hockey Saskatchewan for the latest updates on the Sask First program by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

About SASK FIRST

The Sask First program, introduced by Hockey Saskatchewan in 1988, has been a source of immense pride and achievement in our province. This high-performance initiative was crafted with the dual goal of enhancing the game's comprehension and nurturing the growth of exceptional players, coaches, trainers, officials, and administrators. It empowers participants, enriching them as individuals, fostering self-satisfaction, and enhancing their enjoyment within the hockey community.

About HOCKEY SASKATCHEWAN

Hockey Saskatchewan was established in 1912 and is the governing body for organized hockey in the province. With a mission to advance hockey through innovation, engagement and participation, Hockey Saskatchewan encourages competition at all levels – from recreational to high performance. Hockey Saskatchewan has grown through the years and is Saskatchewan’s largest sports organization with over 53,400 members comprised of players, coaches and officials. For more information, please visit www.hockeysask.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.