The Province of British Columbia is providing $60,000 to two communities in the Peace Region to help host the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

This tournament will bring some of the best young hockey players in the world to Northern B.C., including those representing Finland, Sweden, Russia, the Czech Republic and the United States.

Fort St. John and Dawson Creek will co-host the tournament, beginning Oct. 30. A total of 22 games will be played in both cities, with the gold medal game to be played at the Encana Events Centre in Dawson Creek.

Canada will be represented by three teams in the tournament, made up of 66 players that will be selected following a summer showcase event put on by Hockey Canada. Many of the players who compete at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge go on to represent Canada at other levels of competition including the National Under-18 Team, National Junior Team and National Men’s Team.

Quotes:

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Coralee Oakes ─

“This tournament will bring some of the best youth hockey players in the world to our province and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their talents on a world stage. For many athletes, this will also be their first opportunity to wear the maple leaf and represent their country.”

MLA for Peace River North Pat Pimm ─

“It is great to see the Provincial Government put forward funds to help host this very prestigious event. I know the Hosting Committee will do a great job, and this will help make their job a little easier to accomplish. I can’t wait to watch some of the fantastic talent that will be in our area!”

MLA for Peace River South Mike Bernier ─

“I am very proud to see strong Provincial support to my region for this amazing opportunity. Hosting this level of hockey will once again showcase the Peace Region as a destination for world-class sporting events.”

Mayor of Fort St. John Lori Ackerman ─

“Creating community is about creating experiences; the experience that this event will provide to our youth, our coaches and our officials will be just like our community: second to none.”

Mayor of Dawson Creek Dale Bumstead ─

“I am thrilled that the Province has come on board to support this world-class event. The world’s best Under-17 hockey athletes will be in the Peace Region this fall and we are excited to share and showcase the Peace Region and the Province of British Columbia to the world.”

Quick Facts:

• This will mark the second time British Columbia has hosted this tournament following Port Alberni in 2009.
• Dawson Creek and Fort St. John both have previous experience in hosting Hockey Canada events:
  • Dawson Creek hosted the National Under-18 Women’s Championship in 2012.
  • Fort St. John hosted the Allan Cup in 2010.
• Local contributions from each city towards the tournament will be $100,000.

Learn More:

For more information on the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, visit: www.hockeycanada.ca/wu17

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