The Edge School's under-18 prep hockey team is off to a dominant start at the prestigious Circle K Classic holiday tournament in Calgary, powered by the standout performances of star forwards Luke Huska and Ashton McCann. The duo has led their squad to a perfect 2-0 record, showcasing the chemistry and skill that has them both pegged for major junior hockey and beyond.
Dreaming of the Big Leagues with a Family Twist
Like countless young athletes competing at the Max Bell Arena and 7 Chiefs Sportsplex, Luke Huska harbors dreams of one day playing in the National Hockey League. His path, however, comes with a unique potential storyline. He is the son of Ryan Huska, the head coach of the NHL's Calgary Flames.
"I don't know if I want to play for my dad," Luke Huska said with a laugh. "He might be tough on me." His teammate, Ashton McCann, was quick to interject with a different perspective. "Honestly, I'd love to play for his dad," McCann said.
The pair's trajectory suggests such NHL aspirations are well-founded. Both are committed to joining the Western Hockey League's Swift Current Broncos in the future, where they are expected to continue their on-ice partnership.
Dynamic Duo Drives Early Tournament Success
The synergy between Huska and McCann was on full display during the tournament's opening day. McCann recorded a hat trick, scoring three goals in a 5-3 victory over South Dakota's Sioux Falls Power. Their combined effort has been instrumental in Edge's strong opening to the annual Calgary tournament.
"Yeah, that would be OK — he's an alright guy," Huska joked about the prospect of continuing to play with McCann in Swift Current. "You know, I like him a little bit. So it should be fun." McCann echoed the sentiment, highlighting their growing connection. "I think Luke and I have a little bit of chemistry together, and I think we can really use that in the future."
Head coach Adam Stuart sees a special quality in his team, drawing a playful comparison to a famous underdog story. "I joke around with our staff that we're kind of like the '04 Flames," Stuart said, referencing the Calgary Flames' unexpected run to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final.
Key Matchups Highlight Day 3 Schedule
As the tournament progresses into Monday, December 29, several pivotal games are set to decide pool standings:
- A morning clash in Pool 4 features pre-tournament contender Northern Alberta Xtreme against B.C.'s Cariboo Cougars.
- The aptly named "Pool of Death" (Pool 2) sees the co-host Calgary Buffaloes face Rink Kelowna from B.C. in a key afternoon game.
- In Pool 7, the co-host Calgary UPP Flames battle B.C.'s Thompson Blazers for the top spot.
The marquee matchup of the day, however, is scheduled for Monday night. The St. Albert Raiders will take on the undefeated Edge School, led by Huska and McCann, in a critical Pool 6 game at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex at 6:45 p.m. This contest could be a major indicator of which team has the depth and star power to make a deep run in the 2026 Circle K Classic.
