Edmonton selected to host an international hockey tournament between the best in 2018, 2020 and 2022
EDMONTON, Alta. –
Hockey Canada brings to the country one of the best international hockey tournaments between the best against the best. In conjunction with the City of Edmonton, Province of Alberta and Oilers Entertainment Group, Hockey Canada has confirmed that Edmonton will host the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in 2018, 2020 and 2022.
Owned and produced by the Czech Ice Hockey Association and the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation, the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup was first introduced in 1991. The tournament honors its namesake and the national team and NHL player and coach Ivan Hlinka – considered one of the most important personalities in the history of Czech hockey. The annual summer tournament brings together eight of the best hockey nations in the world to compete in a competition between the best men under 18.
Hockey Canada, whose National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team has won the annual event 20 times and won two silver and one bronze since 1991, has reached an agreement with the Czech Hockey Association ice and the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation to organize the Canadian Ice tournament on a bi-annual basis, starting in 2018.
“The Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup is an important event on our calendar for many reasons, the first being that it honors a great player and coach who was taken from us far too soon,” said Tom Renney, President and CEO of Hockey Canada at a press conference in Edmonton on Monday. “The event itself is uniquely positioned on the schedule to truly allow all participating nations – and the hundreds of NHL scouts who are drawn to the event – to take part in a competition between the best with the best under 18 players from around the world.
“This is an important event for Hockey Canada in terms of advancing our players through the Program of Excellence and identifying prospects for Canada’s National Junior Team. But equally important, the opportunity to host this world-class event on Canadian soil is a testament to our relationship with our counterparts in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as well as the reputation our country has built for hosting successful international hockey events. It’s a big responsibility, and we don’t take it lightly – and we’re grateful for the support of the City of Edmonton, the Province of Alberta and the Oilers Entertainment Group in bringing the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup to Canadian ice.
The Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup is traditionally held in August, and Hockey Canada expects the regional economic impact of hosting Edmonton could exceed $5 million based on the results of similar events of this size and of this magnitude.
“Canada is the birthplace of hockey, and I’m thrilled that the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, as we know it today, is being played in our country for the first time right here in Edmonton,” said Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism, responsible for sport. “The best players under the age of 18 will hit the ice to show their skills and their talent in the eyes of the world. This prestigious event will attract tourists from all over the world and will be a tremendous boost for our economy. It’s an exciting day for our city, our province and our country.
Renney added that proceeds from the 2018, 2020 and 2022 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cups will be reinvested into grassroots hockey in Alberta.
“Edmonton has become an internationally renowned sports city and center of excellence. We are proud to build on that reputation by hosting the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “With enthusiastic fans, a state-of-the-art arena and a passion for hockey, Edmonton welcomes the opportunity to showcase our city to the world.”
The new home of the Edmonton Oilers will host the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in its first three years on Canadian ice. The state-of-the-art facility was officially opened on September 8, 2016 and features 1.1 million square feet of seating and amenities that blend the NHL franchise’s history with its modern design.
“We are thrilled to partner with Hockey Canada, the Czech Ice Hockey Association, the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation and our local partners to bring the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup to Edmonton and our spectacular new Rogers venue. Place, in the heart of the ICE district. said OEG CEO and Vice President Bob Nicholson. “Competition on the ice will be matched with hospitality and extra attention to ensure players, coaches, scouts, families and fans have an incredible experience.”
Details on event dates and tickets will be announced at a later date.
Additional quotes:
“[The] The Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup has gained enormous international prestige in the past, and I am confident that this cooperation will elevate the tournament to even higher levels. This tournament is a great experience for every young player and their motivation to keep working. I am happy that the contacts between European and foreign hockey are taking on new dimensions. – Tomas Kral, President, Czech Ice Hockey Association
“My husband, Ivan Hlinka, lived for ice hockey and devoted his entire life to the game. I’m sure he would be extremely proud to have the tournament bearing his name held in the birthplace of hockey. I wish all players and spectators at the tournament a great pleasure, which I believe will be shared by thousands of fans around the world. – Libena Hlinkova
“There is no doubt that this will be one of the most successful tournaments and that all of us, fans and players will experience many incredible hockey moments to remember. – Miroslav Valíček, General Secretary, Slovak Ice Hockey Federation
“Participating in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup was an incredible experience for me and my teammates as we grew as young hockey players. Bringing the tournament to Canada and to Rogers Place and ICE District will be a great experience for players, coaches, families and fans. – Darnell Nurse, Edmonton Oilers, NHL
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