Two of St. Albert's top U11 prospects are making big waves in the world of youth hockey.
Brody Meunier and Cash MacMillan, both hailing from seasoned hockey families, are currently representing Team Brick Alberta at the prestigious 2023 Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament.
This elite tournament, taking place at West Edmonton Mall from July 3rd to 9th, serves as a platform for some of North America's most talented nine and ten-year-old hockey players. Since its inception in 1990, the Brick Invitational has grown to showcase fourteen teams in 2023, marking its place as a key event in the youth hockey calendar.
Both Meunier and MacMillan are alumni of the St. Albert U11 Jr. Raiders, and were selected for Team Alberta through a rigorous process that started with a 120-prospect evaluation camp in December 2022.
The top 50 players were then called for a final combine evaluation at West Edmonton Mall in late March 2023, which comprised small area games, team practices, skill practices, positional practices, team building, and games. Meunier and MacMillan emerged as two of the top 18 players from this intensive assessment.
These boys are no strangers to the world of high-level hockey; they're following closely in the footsteps of accomplished role models. Meunier's older brother, Ty, also a Brick Invitational alumnus, was recently chosen as the seventh overall pick in the 2023 WHL Draft by the Prince Albert Raiders. Cash MacMillan, meanwhile, also has hockey in his blood; his cousins Carter and Matthew Savoie are NHL prospects with the Oilers and Sabres, respectively, and his father, Derek, played in the Brick Invitational in 1991.
Speaking of his son's achievement, Derek MacMillan couldn't contain his pride.
"It's ridiculous. It's a pretty cool moment. It's tough to even describe it. We've had a lot of family go through this process, and to have another one go into it is pretty cool," he said.
"It's kind of the most bonded you are with your kid at this age. You spend a lot of time with them at the rink, and to see how hard they work is really special."
With a record of one win and one loss as of press time, Team Alberta is looking strong and determined. They lost their opening match to the Toronto Bulldogs in a closely contested 2-1 game but swiftly bounced back with a significant win over the Western Selects, a victory that was spurred by a first-period Meunier goal.
"This has been very exciting, beyond words," the younger MacMillan said.
"The Brick is something my cousins and dad did, and it means so much to be able to also be a part of it. It made me feel very special. It's the coolest and most important thing I have done in my life."
Fans can keep up with Team Alberta at The Brick's website, which includes a comprehensive schedule, standings, and statistics.
