Okotoks set to host first ever national U18 club championships

SUDBURY, Ont. –
The Nickel City – which is just months away from hosting the TELUS Cup,
Canada’s National Midget Championship – has also been awarded the 2019 Esso
Cup, Canada’s National Female Midget Championship, Hockey Canada announced Tuesday.

“It’s no easy task to host back-to-back national Midget championships, but
we know the fans in Sudbury and the hockey community in northern Ontario is
up to the task and will support the events in full force,” said Dean
McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties for Hockey Canada. “The
TELUS Cup and Esso Cup are prestigious events, and we look forward to
bringing them to the Sudbury region.”

The Esso Cup brings together the top five female Midget hockey teams from
across the country (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, West and Pacific) plus the
host team, the Sudbury Lady Wolves, for seven days of exciting hockey action.
The 2019 edition of the tournament will be hosted April 21-27 at the Gerry
McCrory Countryside Sports Complex in Sudbury.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this prestigious event in Sudbury, a city
with a strong history of female hockey excellence,” said Fran Rider,
president and CEO of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association. “We
look forward to welcoming teams from across Canada as we leave a positive
legacy for the city, surrounding communities and the game.”

Historically, the Esso Cup has generated in excess of $1 million in local
economic impact through the provision of services to the athletes,
families, and fans that travel into the community for the event.

“What a tremendous honour it is for the City of Greater Sudbury to be
chosen as the host of the 2019 Esso Cup,” said Mayor Brian Bigger. “This prestigious event will
showcase not only our wonderful, hockey-crazed city, but also our signature
Northern Ontario hospitality, and the exceptional hockey talent that exists
across Canada.”

2018 TELUS Cup schedule, tickets released

Northern Ontario hockey fans don’t have to wait until 2019 to experience
high-calibre Midget hockey. Organizers of the 2018 TELUS Cup, hosted April
23-29 at the Sudbury Community Arena, have released the event’s full

schedule and ticket packages.

“I believe that the 2018 TELUS Cup will bring another exciting and
enjoyable week of exceptional hockey to Sudbury. I was fortunate enough to
be coaching the host team when we hosted two decades ago, and I know what
an incredible opportunity this is not only for the players and coaching
staff, but also the community. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to give
others the same experience that I was lucky enough to have 20 years ago
when I was coaching.” said Barry McCrory, 2018 TELUS Cup tournament
co-chair.

The host Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves will open their quest for
Canada’s National Midget Championship against the Pacific Region champions at 7 p.m. ET
on April 23. The Wolves earned a silver medal when they last hosted the
event in 1998, and have made five total appearances at the event, winning
gold in Arnprior, Ont., in 2008.

“It is an honour for the community of Sudbury to represent all of Northern
Ontario in hosting this prestigious tournament, bringing six teams from
around the country to showcase the highest level of hockey that Canada has
to offer in minor hockey,” said NOHA president, Claudette Myre. “I know
that Sudbury, and all of Northern Ontario, will show the players and
families of the respective teams our northern hospitality.”

Ticket packages are available for purchase online now at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets,
and start for as little as $35 through the special early-bird pricing
available for the first 300 purchased or Dec. 15, whichever comes first. As
with all of Hockey Canada’s national championships, all net proceeds from
ticket sales remain in the host community as a legacy to support programs
that foster the growth of hockey in the community.

“This feels like the official start to the count down for the 2018 TELUS
Cup, as we move ever closer to puck-drop,” said Tony Foresi, president of
the Ontario Hockey Federation. “The host committee is working hard to
create a memorable event not just for the players, but for their families,
friends and fans. We invite everyone who loves our great game to get their
tickets early and plan a trip to Sudbury in April 2018.”

For more information on Hockey Canada and the two national Midget
championships, please visit HockeyCanada.ca/TELUSCup and HockeyCanada.ca/EssoCup, or join the social communities at Twitter.com/HC_TELUSCup and Twitter.com/HC_EssoCup.