Team Canada celebrates
Calgary will host the first ever IIHF World Women’s Under-18 Championship this January, Hockey Canada announced today.
The inagural tournament will take place January 7-12 at Father David Bauer Olympic Arena and Norma Bush Arena in Calgary.
Eight teams – Canada, the USA, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Germany, Switzerland and the Czech Republic – will take part in the event.
The gold medal game is slated for Saturday, January 12 at Father David Bauer Olympic Arena.
"This is a major event for the women’s game, and we could not be more excited to play host," said Melody Davidson, general manager of the National Women’s Program and head coach of Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team. "Any opportunity to grow our game is one that we welcome with open arms."
Lois Mitchell, international business consultant and a member of the Board of Directors of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, was named chair of the host committee.
"To be asked to provide assistance in organizing the very first IIHF World Women’s Under-18 Championship is an honour," said Mitchell. "My goal will be to get the entire community involved in a celebration of women’s hockey and create lasting memories for the participants, volunteers and to encourage more females to get involved in the game."
Canadian hockey star Hayley Wickenheiser will serve as the event’s honourary chair. Wickenheiser has won six world championship and two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada. Wickenheiser served as team captain for the 2007-08 season, leading Canada to a gold medal at the IIHF World Women’s Championship in Winnipeg, MB in April 2007.
Source: Calgary to host first women’s U-18 tourney
