By Mike Dennis, Hockey Alberta /
It’s an inaugural tournament designed to showcase Western Canada’s elite hockey talent, but for a small town just north of Red Deer, it’s a lot more than that. The Town of Blackfalds, with a population of around 5,000, will host the 2009 Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup Oct. 28 to Nov. 1.
“I am very proud of the volunteers of Blackfalds Minor Hockey Association and the staff from the Town of Blackfalds for all their hard work in securing this prestigious event,” commented the Town of Blackfalds Mayor, Melodie Stol. “This is an exciting opportunity to promote Blackfalds and will definitely have a significant impact on tourism and local business.”
The Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup is a partnership between the Western Hockey League (WHL) and the four Western Provincial Hockey Associations – Hockey Alberta, BC Hockey, Hockey Manitoba and the Saskatchewan Hockey Association. Each Province will select its highest rated U-16 players to compete in the round robin tournament.
“This event will serve as an important step in the development process as the top players in this age group prepare to enter the WHL and the next levels of the Program of Excellence,” said WHL Commissioner, Ron Robison.
All games will be played at the Blackfalds Multi-plex.
“We think this venue will create a terrific atmosphere for all the teams while giving Hockey Alberta the chance to put our home-grown talent on display right in our own backyard,” said Rob Litwinski, general manager, Hockey Alberta
“Our entire community is looking forward to showcasing our town and Central Alberta to the players, their families and hockey fans from across Western Canada. We will work together with Hockey Alberta, the WHL to ensure the event is hosted at the highest possible standard,” added Stol.
For more information, please visit www.hockeyalberta.ca. |