Manitoba was represented at the CCAA Hockey National Championships from 1983 through 1986. Each team equaled or bettered the placing of their predecessor. Following a fourth place finish by the Red River College Rebels of Winnipeg at the 1986 CCAA Hockey National Championships in Kamloops, British Columbia, Brandon, Manitoba was scheduled to host the 1987 CCAA Hockey National Championships. It was not to be.

When the conference withdrew from the CCAA prior to the start of the 1986-87 season, Camrose, Alberta stepped up to host the 1987 CCAA Hockey National Championships and became the first community to host the event for a second time where the Camrose Lutheran College Vikings placed fourth. Eleven years earlier, the Vikings entered the post season as defending national champions, but fell short in their attempts to represent the 4-West at nationals as their season ended in the best of three provincial finals.

In between hosting the 1976 & 1987 CCAA Hockey National Championships, Camrose became known for the Viking Cup International Hockey Tournament. In the span of 25 years, more than 100 tournament alumni played in the NHL including Hockey Hall of Famer Dominic Hasek.

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