NAPANEE, ON – Hockey Canada, in partnership with BC Hockey, has announced that the 2009 National Women’s Under-18 Championship has been awarded to Surrey, BC.

The 2009 tournament will be held from November 4-8 at the South Surrey Arena and will include eight regional teams from throughout Canada.

“BC Hockey would like to extend congratulations to the Surrey organizing committee for the successful bid of the 2009 National Women’s Under-18 Championship," said BC Hockey president Rick Boekestyn. “Our Branch is excited for the opportunity to host this fantastic event.”

The 2009 championship will mark the eighth time this event has been held since its inception in 1993. It now takes place every November, except during a Canada Winter Games year. There are seven provincial teams and one regional team.

The 2008 event is currently being held in Napanee, ON, with the gold medal final on Sunday, November 9. That game will be shown on TSN/RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcasters (check local listings).

Past participants in the National Women’s Under-18 Championship include Olympic gold medalists Meghan Agosta, Gillian Apps, Sarah Vaillancourt and Katie Weatherston, as well as numerous players currently with Canada’s National Under-18 and Under-22 Programs.

“The National Women’s Under-18 Championship has become a tournament where fans get to see the future stars of the women’s game,” says Scott Smith, Hockey Canada’s chief operating officer. “Hockey fans in Surrey are in for a real treat.”

The National Women’s Under-18 Championship is an important tool in the identification and evaluation of future members of the National Under-18 Team, the National Under-22 Team and the National Women’s Team.