WJAC News

Press Release

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), announced on Thursday the game schedule, ticket information and major sponsors for the 2009 World Junior A Challenge, set for November 1-8 at Credit Union Place in Summerside.

Making its debut at the 2009 World Junior A Challenge will be Sweden, which will play in Group A with two-time gold medalist Canada West and Russia. The United States, the 2008 gold medalists, will play in Group B with Canada East and Belarus.

Both Canadian teams will see action on the tournament’s opening day. Canada West will face Russia at 2 p.m. AT on Sunday, November 1, while Canada East will take on the United States at 7 p.m. AT.

“With five teams who have previously played in the semifinals at the World Junior A Challenge, plus the addition of Sweden, this year’s tournament is shaping up to be the most competitive yet,” says JP Desrosiers, chair of the host committee. “Off the ice, the host committee is working hard to ensure that this event is of top quality not only for the players and visitors but for the entire hockey community on P.E.I.”

The host committee also announced two major partnerships for this year’s tournament – Molson Canada has been announced as the tournament’s official platinum sponsor and Newcap Radio as a gold-level sponsor.

“Molson has a great tradition of being truly Canadian and having them involved with Canada’s beloved sport of hockey is natural fit, while Newcap Radio has been a great supporter of the local community,” says Desrosiers. “We look forward to partnering with both companies for this event,” said Desrosiers.

In addition, ticket package information was also announced on Tuesday. Three ticket packages are now available to the public:

PACKAGE 1 - $174.99 (Children/Student)

Tickets to all 13 tournament games, special seating, an event package featuring an event T-shirt, puck and coupons for merchandise, an event program and an entry to win an autographed Team Canada jersey.

PACKAGE 2 - $174.99 (Adult)

Tickets to all 13 tournament games, special seating, access to the Molson VIP section, an event program and an entry to win Molson merchandise.

PACKAGE 3 - $249.99 (VIP)

Tickets to all 13 tournament games, special seating, a pre-game meal at Top of the Park restaurant before five games, access to the Molson VIP section, an event program and an entry to win Molson merchandise.

Packages can be purchased at the box offices at Credit Union Place and Harbourfront Theatre, by phone at 902-432-1234 or online at www.city.summerside.pe.ca.

Packages are also available through the Summerside Minor Hockey Association, Maritime Junior A Hockey League and Summerside Western Capitals.

Single-game tickets will not go on sale until later this year.

“The City of Summerside has always been known for its love of hockey, so having the chance to host the world’s best Junior A players is something that we are excited about,” says Summerside Mayor Basil Stewart. “There is a buzz in the community already and the event is still four-and-a-half months away.”

“Hockey PEI is honoured and excited to partner with the City of Summerside, the Maritime Junior A Hockey League and Hockey Canada to bring this prestigious event here to our province,” says Gordie Whitlock, president of Hockey PEI. “We look forward to showcasing many of the best junior hockey players from around the world in November.”

For more information on the 2009 World Junior A Challenge, check out www.hockeycanada.ca/wjac.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)