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January 5, 2009
WJC.036
by Alan Adams
Organizers of the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship know they can’t beat Ottawa when it comes to setting
an attendance record.
But they are sure they can match anyone on the planet when it comes to putting on a showcase event on and
off the ice.
‘Come for the Hockey but Stay for the Party' is the theme for next year’s World Juniors in Saskatoon and
Regina, and there is no doubt the host organizing committee is primed for the job at hand.
"We will not let anyone down," said Jack Brodsky, president of the host organizing committee. "We may be a
small market but we will be a premier event."
Organizers say they have about 65 per cent of all available seats in both arenas sold and they are
confident both arenas will be completely sold out.
"You are coming to the hotbed of hockey," said Crown corporations minister Ken Cheveldayoff.
Saskatchewan has a proven track record of staging world-class events, including championship curling and
figure skating events, and the World Juniors - Canada won gold in Saskatoon in 1991, with John Slaney scoring
a goal in the last minute of play against Russia for a 3-2 win in the deciding round-robin game.
While Regina and Saskatoon are the host cities, other communities throughout the province will play host
to pre-tournament training camps for the 10 teams along with exhibition games.
"This is a provincial entity," said Flacco.
The province of Saskatchewan has a thriving economy and the province has become a popular destination
point for people.
"Saskatchewan is an exciting place to be," said Cheveldayoff. "Our economy is hot. Saskatchewan is having
a great run."
The 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship will run from December 26, 2009 to January 5, 2010.
» 2010 World Junior Championship
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