August 26, 2002
NR.068

KITCHENER, ONTARIO WILL HOST THE 2002
4 NATIONS CUP – WOMEN’S HOCKEY EVENT

KITCHENER, ON - The Canadian Hockey Association in partnership with the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) and the City of Kitchener announced Monday the schedule and that the City of Kitchener will host the 2002 4 Nations Cup, which will be held from November 6-10, 2002 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The event will showcase four of the world’s best women’s hockey countries; Canada, Finland, Sweden and USA. The Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario will also play host to one game, Canada vs. Sweden on November 7th.

"For the past 10 years and even more so now after our gold medal win at the 2002 Olympics, women’s hockey has been on a tremendous high", said CHA President Bob Nicholson. "An event of this magnitude will help continue the growth of women’s hockey at all levels and ultimately lure more and more women to play the game."

Canada is the reigning 4 Nations Cup champion after claiming victory at last year’s 3 Nations Cup in Finland (USA dropped out due to September 11th attacks). Canada has won five (’01, ’00, ’99, ’98, ’96) of six "Nation Cup" championships, dating back to the inaugural event in 1996 (USA won in 1997).

"The Ontario Women’s Hockey Association is extremely pleased to be working together with the CHA and the City of Kitchener on this event", said Fran Rider, Executive Director of the OWHA and Host Chairperson for the 2002 4 Nations Cup. "We are looking forward to witnessing the world’s best female hockey players in Kitchener and Mississauga for five days of great hockey."

Canada has hosted the "Nations Cup" on two previous occasions. In 1999, Canada defeated USA 3-2 in the 3 Nations final in Montreal, Quebec while Ottawa, Ontario saw Canada defeat USA 1-0 in the 1996 3 Nations Cup final.

"The City of Kitchener is very excited to partner with the CHA and the OWHA to bring the Four Nations Cup to Kitchener", said Geoff Lorentz, City of Kitchener Councillor and Chair, Community Services Committee. "We are hoping to repeat the success we had when we hosted the Women's World Hockey Championship in 1997 at The Aud."

Ticket packages went on sale today and can be purchased at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium or by calling (800) 265-6368 or (519) 745-0303.

Ticket packages will be available in:
- Complete 7 game package for $90
- Complete 7 game group package for $75
- Team Canada game tickets for $20 (Adults), $18 (Seniors/Students/Children) and $15 (Group)
- Non Team Canada game tickets for $15 (Adults), $12 (Seniors/Students/Children) and $10 (Group)
- Gold medal game tickets for $25 (All)

Prior to teams arriving in Kitchener, Team Canada will hold a pre-competition camp at "The Aud" from November 1-4, which will serve as a tune-up for the 4 Nations Cup. The camp will be open to the public and admission will be free.