CCM Chicago Makes Memories at the Brick

The Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament is one of the most prestigious events for players at the 10 & Under age level. Held annually in Edmonton, Alberta, the tournament attracts select teams from across North America to compete in a highly elite and internationally recognized environment. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, the Brick Invitational offers young hockey players and their families an unparalleled experience, complete with top-notch production, off-ice activities, and a skills competition.

Under the leadership of Director/Head Coach Justin Lewandowski, and Assistant Coaches Rene Gauthier and Phil Lewandowski, the team prepared rigorously before heading to Edmonton for the Brick Invitational this past weekend. 

CCM Chicago faced six formidable opponents in the round robin stage of the tournament, including the two teams that met in the championship. Despite a challenging start, CCM Chicago showcased resilience and determination, ending their round robin campaign on a high note with a win against the Connecticut Jr. Rangers.The results were as follows:

• July 1: vs. Toronto Bulldogs - 5-4 Loss
• July 2: vs. Detroit Jr. Red Wings - 7-2 Loss
• July 2: vs. Western Selects - 2-1 OT Loss
• July 3: vs. Montreal Canadiens - 5-2 Loss
• July 4: vs. Saskatchewan Junior Pats - 3-0 Loss
• July 5: vs. Connecticut Jr. Rangers - 2-1 Win

Head Coach Mike Embach expressed pride in the team's hard work and dedication throughout the tournament. "The boys showed incredible heart and determination," said Embach. "Every game, they left it all on the ice, and I couldn't be prouder of their effort and sportsmanship."

A highlight of the tournament was Brickley's Showdown, an all-star game pitting the best players from the United States against their Canadian counterparts. Four players from CCM Chicago – Max Gauthier, Colm Heneghan, Benson Proctor, and Jack Tritschler – had the honor of participating in this prestigious match. Jack Tritschler's exceptional performance earned him the distinction of being named the first star of the game.

Director Justin Lewandowski also praised the team, highlighting the fun and camaraderie experienced by the players. "This tournament is not just about the competition, but also about creating memories and building friendships," Lewandowski remarked. "The boys had a blast, and it's an experience they will cherish for a lifetime."

The Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament provided CCM Chicago with an invaluable experience, filled with intense competition, personal growth, and unforgettable memories. Thank you to all the players and families that made this year’s CCM Chicago season memorable. If you are interested in competing with CCM Chicago, stay tuned as we will be announcing more information about evaluation dates for next season in the coming weeks.