A Dawson Creek bid to host the 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation under-18 Women’s World Hockey Championship has received a major boost in the form of $60,000 from the provincial government should the bid be successful.
Dawson Creek has been shortlisted for the event by Hockey Canada.
The IIHF under-18 Women’s World Hockey Championship is an eight-team, 22-game tournament that will take place over eight days in January of 2016.
The event is expected to provide an economic boost for the region as it typically attracts athletes, coaches, officials, fans and supporters from out of town and from out of province.
Coralee Oakes, minister of community, sport and cultural development and Cariboo North MLA, said it’s exciting news for the region.
“The IIHF under-18 Women’s Worlds will provide a lift to the local economy and will serve as a beacon of inspiration for young hockey players in B.C.,” Oakes said.
“This event represents a wonderful opportunity to showcase Dawson Creek to the international sport community and for northern hockey fans to experience high-level, exciting competition.”
Bid committee chair Ryan MacIvor added the event has only been held one other time in Canada.
“To have a northern rural community like Dawson Creek have this opportunity and hold this prestigious event is a great honour,” MacIvor said.
“The economic and social benefits stand to have a lasting legacy for Dawson Creek.”
Dawson Creek, meanwhile, has a proven track record of hosting successful events including the 2012 Hockey Canada National Women’s U18 Championship, the 2012 Swiss Chalet Men’s National Curling Finals, the 2010 Grey Power Play Curling Championships and the 2009 Hockey Canada National Women’s team centralization camp.
The inaugural IIHF Women’s U18 World Hockey Championship was held in Calgary in 2008.
Hockey Canada’s final selection of the host city is expected to be made in late April of 2014.
