Toronto Marlboros Hockey Classic 2014: Dates, Schedule, Matchups and More

There are many hockey tournaments that take place each year, but few draw as much attention as the Toronto Marlboros Holiday Classic. The 2014 edition will be no different.

While Christmas often brings memories of family gatherings, the Holiday Classic begins December 26 and runs through to December 30. The result is a memorable hockey tournament that is a highlight of the holiday vacation.

Here is all the vital information needed to enjoy the 2014 Toronto Marlboros Holiday Classic.

Where: Canlan Ice Sports (Etobicoke) Arena, Westwood Arena and Canlan Ice Sports York, Ontario, Canada

When: December 26th to 30th

Schedule and Matchups

Major Bantam: Click Here

Minor Bantam: Click Here

Minor Midget: Click Here

*All schedules and matchups via TorontoMarlboros.com.

Nathan Denette/Associated Press

Tournament to Watch

While all three of the tournaments going in during the Holiday classic are worth watching, the minor bantam events feature some of the brightest talent in the sport as they continue to develop into the stars of the future.

The minor bantam conference breakdowns are impressive enough on their own without even seeing the schedule. With legitimate powerhouses like the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, London Jr. Knights, Barrie Colts and the host Toronto Marlboros, the competition will be intense.

After each team plays four games, the top two teams in each division will advance to the playoffs for their respective conferences (the Harold Ballard Conference and the Conn Smythe Conference).

The two teams that eventually win their conference championships will reach the Grand Championship.

Each team that has entered this tournament could conceivably win, but the edge has to go to the Marlboros playing so close to home. With the players staying on their typical schedule while the rest of the teams are traveling during the holidays, Toronto likely will have the edge on the ice.

If the Marlboros can take advantage of the favorable situation and play fundamental hockey throughout the tournament, there is no doubt Toronto should be able to pull out the blockbuster victory.

Predicted Tournament Winner: Toronto Marlboros

*Stats via NHL.com.