COQUITLAM, BC – As part of its role in adopting the team from Slovakia through the World Junior Championship Adopt-a-Country Program, Coquitlam is holding a number of special events, including a exhibition game between UBC and the Slovak Junior Team, an art show exhibition and open practices at the Coquitlam Sports Centre.

“Hosting the World Junior Championships here in our province is a huge coup and a great way to give the world a look at our beautiful communities before the 2010 Olympic Games,” says Mayor Jon Kingsbury. “We’re proud to be doing our part by adopting this talented young team, and showing them some Coquitlam hospitality.”

The team will be in Coquitlam from December 15 , and will be participating in a number of local recreation activities as well as the following public events.

Open Practices – Coquitlam Sports Centre, 633 Poirier Avenue
Friday December 16, 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Sunday, December 18, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Exhibition Game – Slovakia vs UBC – Coquitlam Sports Centre, 633 Poirier Avenue
Friday, December 16, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5 each (On sale at the Sports Centre and other City Recreation Facilities starting Wednesday November 23. All Tickets are festival seating, doors open at 6:15p.m.)

Slovakia Photography Art Show – Place Des Arts, 1120 Brunette Avenue
December 1 – 23, 2005

The 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship in Kamloops, Kelowna and Vancouver (Dec. 26, 2005 to Jan. 5, 2006) will mark the seventh time that this international event has been staged in Canada and the first time it will be held in British Columbia. Other years in which Canada hosted this Championship were in 2003 (Halifax, NS), 1999 (Winnipeg, MB), 1995 (Red Deer, AB), 1991 (Saskatoon, SK), 1986 (Hamilton, ON), and 1978 (Montreal, QC). Grand Forks, North Dakota hosted the event in 2005.