Scout
02-02-2008, 08:10 AM
Courtesy Alan Caldwell:
Friday, February 1, 2008
World Juniors back to the prairies?
News is out today that Calgary and Edmonton will be joining together in a bid to host the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships, which the IIHF has already awarded to Canada to host.
I think this is a great idea.....provided, of course, that all the Canadian games are in Calgary, while Edmonton hosts the big sellers like Germany vs. Ukraine and Slovakia vs. Lithuania. I think Ukraine might be a big hit in Edmonchuk.
Fun-poking aside, this is good news for junior hockey fans on the prairies. And, I would say it is extremely likely that Calgary/Edmonton will win this bid, unless the 2010 World Juniors - which are also in Canada but as yet no host has been picked - end up west of Ontario first. I understand Saskatoon is planning on bidding for that one so if they got it, then I think 2012 probably goes to some place in the east. But assuming it ends up in Edmonton/Calgary, it's going to be a great chance for us prairie dwellers to see this tournament. I remember back in 1995 when Red Deer was the host, and gave Calgary and Edmonton the chance to host one or two of the Canadian games each....that Canada vs Czech Republic game, with the huge 3rd period comeback by the Canadians to win, is easily in my top couple hockey games I've ever seen in person.....and I've seen Stanley Cups awarded and WHL championships won. It was that good.
Friday, February 1, 2008
World Juniors back to the prairies?
News is out today that Calgary and Edmonton will be joining together in a bid to host the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships, which the IIHF has already awarded to Canada to host.
I think this is a great idea.....provided, of course, that all the Canadian games are in Calgary, while Edmonton hosts the big sellers like Germany vs. Ukraine and Slovakia vs. Lithuania. I think Ukraine might be a big hit in Edmonchuk.
Fun-poking aside, this is good news for junior hockey fans on the prairies. And, I would say it is extremely likely that Calgary/Edmonton will win this bid, unless the 2010 World Juniors - which are also in Canada but as yet no host has been picked - end up west of Ontario first. I understand Saskatoon is planning on bidding for that one so if they got it, then I think 2012 probably goes to some place in the east. But assuming it ends up in Edmonton/Calgary, it's going to be a great chance for us prairie dwellers to see this tournament. I remember back in 1995 when Red Deer was the host, and gave Calgary and Edmonton the chance to host one or two of the Canadian games each....that Canada vs Czech Republic game, with the huge 3rd period comeback by the Canadians to win, is easily in my top couple hockey games I've ever seen in person.....and I've seen Stanley Cups awarded and WHL championships won. It was that good.