The 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge host committee joined forces this afternoon with its partners from across Vancouver Island, Hockey Canada staff and several high profile guests to outline its organizational approach and to introduce the volunteers who will hold key roles in hosting the 2008 World Under-17 Challenge.

Five international teams will compete in the Alberni Valley, along with teams from five regions across Canada (Atlantic, Ontario, Pacific, Quebec and West). The tournament kicks off on , and wraps up with the gold medal game on TSN/RDS, the official broadcaster of Hockey Canada, from the Alberni Valley Mutliplex on . The complete schedule will be released in the coming months.

Ken McRae, mayor of Port Alberni, said that the completion of the Multiplex in 2001 was a critical factor in being able to host an international event, along with the incredible volunteer legacy the community has to draw from through prior efforts such as the 2004 B.C. Winter Games.

2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Host Committee

Chair: Ron Paulson

Vice Chair: Tom McEvay

Administration: Russel Dyson

Finance: Colleen Sawyer

Sales & Marketing: David McCormic / Deb Haggard

Media: Stefanie Weber

Promotion & Hospatality: Mike Carter

Facilities: Garry Korven

Operations: Greg Smyth

Director at Large: Corey Curtis

Partner Communities

Port Alberni: Alberni Valley Multiplex

Nanaimo: Frank Crane Arena

Cowichan Valley: Cowichan Center

Courtenay/Comox: Comox Valley Sports Center

Campbell River: Strathcona Gardens

Parksville/Qualicum: Oceanside Place