Prior to 2011,[NB 1] the tournament did not operate during years in which the Canada Winter Games were held.

The tournament is the first step in Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence and is used to identify players moving on to the U18 and National Junior Team.

Team Quebec, led by future NHL first overall pick Pierre Turgeon captured gold by defeating the Soviets, who featured the likes of Sergei Fedorov and Alexander Mogilny.

Prior to November 2014, the tournament was held from late December through to early January.

Prior to November 2014, Canada entered five regional teams Other participating nations have included: In bold, players selected first overall in the NHL entry draft