On January 1, 2023, the Montreal Canadiens are heralding in the New Year with a game against the Washington Capitals, marking the start of what is sure to be an action-packed year for ice hockey fans. But it’s not only NHL games that should be on your radar, with plenty of other tournaments where you can see up-and-coming ice hockey stars in action.
In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the tournaments taking place in Montreal throughout 2023, including both youth and adult competitions. While most are located in and around the city, one is a little further afield in the Ottawa suburb of Richmond.
If you’re planning on traveling to any of the following tournaments as a player, a parent, or a spectator, be sure to lock in your accommodation as far in advance as possible. You can find a variety of rental properties in Montreal at Rentola, whether you’re after a studio apartment for one or a multi-bedroom home for the entire family.
When searching, you can focus your results on properties near the tournament stadiums, which are outlined in the descriptions below. Also, take into consideration their access to Montreal’s sights and attractions, such as the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, the leafy walking trails of Parc du Mont-Royal, and the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica.
jarmoluk, Canva.com
Tournoi Olympique de Montreal (TOM)
From January 9 to 23, the Centre Étienne Desmarteau is playing host to the Tournoi Olympique de Montreal, which will see Under 13 Peewees battle it out on the ice. It’s a five-on-five tournament, meaning each team has five skaters on the ice, excluding the goalie. The Tournoi Olympique de Montreal is a great opportunity to see young players in action as they start their rise through the ranks.
Richmond National Atom Mousquiri Tournament
The Richmond National Atom Mousquiri Tournament is the oldest atom competition in the province, catering to ice skaters aged between 9 and 10 years old. It’s been taking place for more than 50 years and welcomes players from across the country. Richmond lies on the southern outskirts of Ottawa and can be reached in just three hours from Montreal.
Nomandsoul1, Canva.com
Montreal Adult Hockey Classic
Both men’s and women’s teams will take to the ice for the annual Montreal Adult Hockey Classic, which is scheduled from 21 to 23 April and 19 to 21 May, 2023. It includes teams from not only Ontario and Quebec but also the United States, offering players a great opportunity to socialize and network. Games will be played at four different rinks – the Arena de Sainte-Julie, the Arena Gilles-Chabot, the Centre Sportif Gaetan-Boucher, and the Colisee Isabelle-Brasseur.
Montreal Meltdown
Over the last three decades, the Montreal Meltdown has been attracting youth ice hockey teams from across the globe. Division 3 will be the first to hit the ice on May 5, followed by the girls Under 10s on May 12. The tournament finishes with the Division 1 games on the weekend of June 9, 10 and 11, with the event taking place between the St-Raphael Sports Center and the Sportsplexe Pierrefonds.
David Pickup, Canva.com
CAN/AM Challenge Cup
With one of Montreal’s best stadiums (Sportsplexe Pierrefonds) as its backdrop, the CAN/AM Challenge Cup is another youth tournament that sees cross-border rivalries played out. Its groupings include Under 11s, Under 13s, Under 15s, and Under 18s, making it a really family-friendly occasion. It’s a great opportunity for hockey-loving families to travel to Montreal and soak up the city’s passion for the game.