A local AAA Lambton Jr. Sting player has been selected to take part in one of the most high-profile youth hockey tournaments in North America.
Lincoln Bucci will suit up for the Toronto Bulldogs at the 35th annual Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament to be held this summer in Edmonton.
“Over the course of the last year-and-a-half there’s been subtle conversations that Lincoln playing in the Brick could very well be a possibility,” dad Nick Bucci said of the annual tournament, set to showcase some of the world’s best nine and ten-year-old hockey players at the West Edmonton Mall in July.
Bucci will be the first player from Sarnia to join the prestigious Bulldogs club, a team that has nine tournament wins since 1990, and has boasted names like Mitch Marner, Max Domi and the Hughes brothers.
“Communications with the Bulldogs started in September; there's multiple spring hockey tournaments, one-day tournaments, winter season games, word-of-mouth and evaluation skates that get used when considering candidates for this tournament.”
Lincoln, who plays with the U10 Lambton Jr Sting, will be heading to the Buffalo AAA Cup this weekend, but is excited for what the summer will bring when he dons the Bulldogs jersey and steps on the ice in the West Edmonton Mall.
“As a family, we’ve watched the Brick tournament for a handful of years and Lincoln is thrilled to be able to join in on the whole experience,” Bucci told the Journal via email.
Indeed it would be a thrill, as Lincoln’s name will now be added to an alumni list with some pretty big names.
Familiar names that have played with the Bulldogs include Michael Del Cole, Connor Brown, Jason Spezza, Jack Hughes and many more NHL and college players. So what sets Lincoln apart?
“At first glance it would be skating stride and speed, but over the course of 10+ viewings, I feel you’d notice his best traits being his drive and will,” said Nick Bucci. “He’s a kid that takes every rep in practice and shift in a game with a competitive fire.”
“Lincoln is truly just excited for the opportunity,” he added. “The Bulldogs brass had told him he’s the first ever player from Sarnia to represent the Toronto Bulldogs at the Brick Tournament, albeit other local talent has played in the Brick Tournament just with other programs. Hearing that really made his eyes light up.”
Recent 1st overall pick Connor Bedard played in the Brick Tournament for British Columbia in 2014-15.
Lincoln, who plays center, says his favourite players are Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak.
He’s enjoying success at the AAA level — his U11 team has a current record of 15-7-5 as they head to Buffalo over this weekend for a tournament.
“As parents we just try to be as humble as possible,” Bucci said. “Everyone within the hockey community makes massive sacrifices for their child just to play the sport. We know how challenging any sport can be to succeed at a high level.
“We’re grateful he’s earned this opportunity and look forward to being his biggest fans.”
The Brick Invitational will get underway this summer in July, until then Lincoln will continue to suit up for the U11 Lambton AAA Jr Sting as he prepares for the tournament.