Voyageurs Host Inaugural Peter Campbell Voyageurs Classic

October 6, 2026 – Pre-season university basketball returns to the Ben F. Avery Gymnasium over Thanksgiving weekend (October 8–10) as the Laurentian Voyageurs host the inaugural Peter Campbell Voyageurs Classic. Marking the men’s first home pre-season tournament since 2019, the tournament celebrates the rich legacy of former men’s basketball head coach Peter Campbell while bringing top-tier national talent to Greater Sudbury.

The four-team showcase features full cross-country representation, with the McGill Redbirds (Quebec), Memorial Sea-Hawks (Atlantic Canada), and Saskatchewan Huskies (Western Canada) joining the host Voyageurs (Ontario).

Honouring a Voyageur Legend

The tournament is named in honour of Peter Campbell, who led the Voyageurs men's basketball program from the mid-1980s to 2000, winning multiple Wilson Cups and establishing a foundation of success for the program. Campbell passed away earlier this spring, making this year’s tournament an emotional tribute and celebration of his lasting impact on the sport and the university.

A highlight of the weekend takes place on Friday, October 9, at 7:00 p.m., when Laurentian faces off against the Saskatchewan Huskies. The Huskies are coached by Jamie Campbell, Peter’s son and a Laurentian alumnus who spent his early childhood on the Ben F. Avery bench during his father’s tenure. Peter’s wife, Jackie, will also be in attendance to commemorate the occasion alongside the Sudbury community.

"Honouring Peter's legacy feels so right," said Laurentian Men's Basketball Head Coach Brandon Edwards. "Peter laid the groundwork for so much of the success this program has enjoyed. Having Jamie and Jackie in the gym makes this match deeply personal. Beyond the competition, we hope this weekend gives everyone a chance to celebrate Peter's impact and remember the great moments he shared in this building."

National Talent and Campus Leadership

Bringing coast-to-coast university basketball back to Sudbury provides fans and students with a rare opportunity to watch diverse regional playing styles under one roof.

"It’s been seven years since the Ben Avery Building hosted men’s pre-season tournament action, so our team is thrilled to reignite this tradition," added Edwards. "Beyond basketball, our student-athletes are eager to connect with campus and give our student body and local community a team they can truly be proud to support."

Edwards also highlighted the team's ongoing commitment to building campus culture and showing up for the broader student body.

"The modern student-athlete wants to be super engaged with their cohort of students," said Edwards. "We feel a responsibility as important stakeholders on campus to help generate school spirit and rebuild that community presence, and we want to continue being positive leaders and active participants across campus initiatives wherever we can."

Tournament Schedule and Matchups

All games will take place at the Ben F. Avery Gymnasium:

Thursday, October 8, 2026 

• 5:00 p.m. – Saskatchewan Huskies versus Memorial Sea-Hawks
• 7:00 p.m. – Laurentian Voyageurs versus McGill Redbirds

Friday, October 9, 2026 

• 5:00 p.m. – McGill Redbirds versus Memorial Sea-Hawks
• 7:00 p.m. – Laurentian Voyageurs versus Saskatchewan Huskies (Pre-game tribute to Coach Peter Campbell)

Saturday, October 10, 2026

• 12:00 p.m. – Saskatchewan Huskies versus McGill Redbirds
• 2:00 p.m. – Laurentian Voyageurs versus Memorial Sea-Hawks

Full schedules, game recaps, and roster details can be found at  https://luvoyageurs.com/. 

Members of the campus community, alumni, and Sudbury basketball fans are invited to pack the gym and support the Voyageurs over Thanksgiving weekend.