Thousands of hockey players descend on Winnipeg for annual holiday competition

Around 2,500 players, 170 teams, and a few Winnipeg Jets have taken over the Hockey for All Centre to mark an annual tournament over the holidays.

The Winnipeg Jets Challenge Cup has been running since Dec. 21 and will be played into 2025.

Kids from Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and even Rankin Inlet have travelled to Winnipeg to compete in one of Canada's biggest minor hockey tournaments.

"So about 14 years ago, there was a need to keep people busy during the holidays as the minor hockey season takes a pause to celebrate, but also get kids out and interacting with each other," David Sattler, the general manager of the Hockey for All Centre.

Sattler said hockey is all about bringing people together for the love of the game, and that is exactly what this tournament does.

"It's nice that we get to see competition against teams and kids who wouldn't ever play…So it's just a different experience to be able to enjoy the holidays together with people who enjoy the sport like you do.

"It's fun to have healthy competition, and sport teaches so many life skills that are really important, and this is a prime opportunity. You get to see it. You get to witness it and have a great time as well."

While this is a chance for the kids to grow and develop as people and players, they also got the chance to meet some of their hockey idols.

Winnipeg Jets' players Mark Scheifele, Morgan Barron, and Dylan DeMelo all stopped by to hang out with the kids Friday morning between games.