SCORE BOARD

CALGARY, AB - The Canadian Hockey Association has made bid guidelines available on it's website at www.canadianhockey.ca/2004 for Canadian communities interested in hosting the 2004 IIHF World Women's Hockey Championships, the CHA announced on Thursday.

The CHA was awarded the 2004 IIHF World Women's Hockey Championship by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in September. This will mark the fourth time that Canada will host the IIHF World Women's Hockey Championship. The three previous events where held: 1990 (Ottawa, ON), 1997 (Kitchener, ON) and 2000 (Mississauga, ON).

The bid guidelines, available on-line at www.canadianhockey.ca/2004, give the opportunity for potential and interested parties to either download or print the pertinent information. Bid guidelines are also available by calling the CHA's office in Calgary at 403-777-3636 during regular office hours (8:30am-4:30pm MT).

Interested hosting parties must submit a formal letter of intent and a refundable application fee of $2,500 no later than . A short list of potential host sites will be announced in March, 2002, with formal in-person presentations taking place March 25th, 2002. The site that will host the 2004 IIHF Women's Worlds will be announced May, 2002.

"Over the years, the Women's Worlds have become one of the most prestigious sporting events in Canada, generating great interest from coast to coast," said Bob Nicholson, President of the CHA. "The event is also important for the CHA because it generates funding that helps us advance hockey development in Canada, including the growing female hockey registration and development programs, as well as generating additional interest in women's hockey."

The IIHF World Women's Hockey Championship traditionally takes place late March/early April. Final dates for the 2004 event will be announced once a successful bid is selected.

For any additional information on the bid guidelines or process, contact Scott Smith, Vice-President, Operations with the CHA at 403-777-4584. Smith is overseeing the bid guidelines distribution and process for the 2004 IIHF Women's World Championship.