CALGARY, AB - Canada has been identified by the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) as a potential site for the 2003 World Junior Hockey Championship, the Canadian Hockey Association announced on Monday.

The 2003 World Junior Hockey Championship would take place late December 2002 to January 2003.

During the IIHF's recent meetings in Spain, the IIHF gave the CHA until mid-December to identify a potential host site. The potential site will then be subject to approval by the IIHF at it's meeting next May, during the Men's World Hockey Championship in Hanover, Germany. However, the IIHF council has informed the CHA that it will give it's support to the Canadian site, should the bid be of the quality of past Canadian bids.

The CHA will immediately commence the process of identifying a potential host site, and will make bid guidelines available prior to October 1st, 2000. Bid guidelines will be available by contacting the CHA Calgary office by calling 403-777-3636.

"This is a great opportunity for Canada to once again host this great event," said Bob Nicholson, President of the CHA. "Past World Junior Championships in Canada have generated great enthousiasm and pride throughout the entire country. We now have another opportunity to display Canada's proud hockey tradition."

Canada has hosted the World Junior Hockey Championship five times: 1999 (Winnipeg, MB), 1995 (Red Deer, AB), 1991 (Saskatoon, SK), 1986 (Hamilton, ON), 1978 (Montreal, QC).