CALGARY – Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday that three communities have been awarded the right to play host to the following events.

National Women’s Under-18 Championship

2008 – Napanee, ON (November 5-9, 2008) (supported by the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA)

TELUS Cup – Canada’s National Midget Championship

2009 – Selkirk, MB (April 20-26, 2009) (supported by Hockey Manitoba)

World Under-17 Hockey Challenge

2009 - Port Alberni, BC ( - ) (supported by BC Hockey)

The bids were assessed by Selection Committees made up of Hockey Canada Officers, Council Directors and supported by staff. There recommendations were approved by the Officers of Hockey Canada

“Each year, we’re thrilled at the level of interest that communities throughout Canada show in hosting our national championships and this year is no different,” says Scott Smith, Hockey Canada’s Chief Operating Officer. “It’s never easy going through the selection process for these tournaments because there are so many strong candidates. We feel that these three communities will put on strong events in 20 and provide a great experience for the athletes and leave a measurable hockey legacy in the community.”

The following communities have previously been awarded these 2007--09 National Championships and events:

World Junior A Challenge

2008 – TBD

2007 – Trail/Nelson, BC (November 5-11)

Women’s National Under-18 Championship

2007 – Kitchener, ON (November 7-11)

World Under-17 Hockey Challenge

2008 - London, ON ( – )

Esso Women’s Nationals – Canada’s Senior Female Championship

2009 – TBD

2008 – Charlottetown, PEI (March11-15, 2008)

Allan Cup – Canada’s Senior AAA Championship

2009 – TBD

2008 – Brantford, ON (April 15-23)

TELUS Cup – Canada’s National Midget Championship

2008 – Arnprior, ON (April 21-27)

RBC Royal Bank Cup – Canada’s National Junior A Championship

2009 – Victoria, BC (May 2-10)

2008 – Cornwall, ON (May 3-11)

Hockey Canada is also proud to be hosting a number of international events over the coming years, including the 2008 IIHF World Women’s Under 18 Championship, 2009, 20 IIHF World Junior Championships and the 2008 IIHF World Championship.