By CHAT News Today

Group aims to bring U-17 World Hockey Challenge to Medicine Hat in 2018

Jul 4, 2017 | 11:49 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A local group is hoping to bring the U-17 World Hockey Challenge to Medicine Hat next year.

Members of the Bid Committee will present their proposal to Medicine Hat city council at tonight’s meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Ron Webb, chair of the bid committee, says the committee has worked hard in the past several months to prepare the bid, ensuring its financially feasible. He says he believes the bid package presents a strong case for Medicine Hat to host the event.

“We have great facilities, we have great community support,” he said. “Our history shows we’re able to host these kinds of events, the Alberta Winter Games being the most recent, the Special Olympics going on this weekend, the Little League Baseball Championships. We have a history of tremendous success within this community.

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“We believe we have a good bid package, we’ve looked at the finances we’ve looked at the logistical requirements. We have great community support and businesses, service clubs and organizations have certainly supported these kind of endeavours in the past, and we look forward to working with them again.”

The bid committee has outlined their plans in a 52-page information booklet. The Canalta Centre would serve as the primary host facility, with the Kinplex and the Centennial Regional Arena in Brooks serving as secondary venues. The Ralston Arena would also be used as a venue for exhibition games.

The tournament sees six national program rosters compete in the tournament, with players entering their NHL draft year in the following two years. Some of the top players who played in the tournament include Connor McDavid, Alexander Ovechkin and Patrick Kane.