Released on March 16, 2009
World Junior Hockey and Team Canada were honoured at the provincial Legislature today.
"World Junior Hockey represents the best junior hockey players in the world, they serve as an inspiration to younger athletes and the rest of Saskatchewan," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said.
"On behalf of Hockey Canada and Canada's National Junior Team, I would like to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for honouring Canada's team today," Hockey Canada's president and CEO Bob Nicholson said. "The upcoming season will be an exciting one for hockey in Saskatchewan and the provincial government has been a key supporter in bringing the World Junior Championship here next Christmas."
The 2010 IHF World Junior Championship begins on December 26, 2009 and ends with the gold medal game in Saskatoon on January 5, 2010.
This event will give Saskatchewan another opportunity to showcase its ability to host major events. All of the championship games will be played in Regina and Saskatoon. The Government of Saskatchewan has contributed $3 million to the Saskatoon Credit Union Centre and $2.55 million to the Regina Brandt Centre for upgrades and seating expansion.
"This is money well spent," Tell said. "The fans that come to the championship will stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores. It also helps to show Saskatchewan as a vibrant province with a strong economy and high quality of life and demonstrates that we are able to host world-class events."
The 2010 National Junior Team will be announced after the selection camp in December 2009.
More information on world junior hockey team members can be found on the Hockey Canada web site at www.hockeycanada.ca/2010juniors.
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For more information, contact:
Janice Wilby
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: janice.wilby@gov.sk.ca