SARNIA, ON – Hockey Canada and the Host Organizing Committee for the 2005 Esso Women’s National Hockey Championship are gearing up in anticipation of another exciting National Championship.  This year’s Esso Women’s National Championship will take place in Sarnia, ON. March 9-13, 2005 and all games will be held at the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre.

“Excitement for the upcoming championship is building in Sarnia, Point Edward and the surrounding areas” said Fran Rider, Executive Director, Ontario Women’s Hockey Association. “We are certain the ten teams, officials and spectators will enjoy the hospitality and beauty of the community. Fans are encouraged to show their support for this women’s hockey showcase and join in the celebration of the 2005 Esso Women's National Championship.”

The Esso Women’s Nationals was established in 1982 and is Canada’s Senior Women’s National Championship.  Ten Branches from across Canada send a representative Senior Women’s Hockey Team to the event featuring some of the top senior female players from across Canada. 

This marks the second year that the event will be played with a seeded pool system based on the previous year’s finish.  In the “A” pool, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta will be joined by two Ontario teams, one of which will be identified as the host team.   The “B” Pool, will feature Manitoba and four Atlantic teams; Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick

Each pool will feature round robin play starting March 9 and running through to March 11.   The Quarterfinals will be held on Friday March 11th and the Semi-Finals will take place on Saturday March 12.    The gold medal game will be nationally televised on the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada: The Sports Network (TSN) and its French equivalent, RDS, on Sunday, March 13, 2005.

”We are excited that the 2005 Esso Women’s National Championship will be held in Sarnia” said Gay Hahn, Female Council Chair for Hockey Canada.  “Women’s hockey continues to grow on both a national and international level and we are extremely confident that with the dedication of the organizing committee and its volunteers, Sarnia will set a new benchmark for success in 2005.”

“Esso has a long history of supporting hockey in Canada -- a tradition that spans nearly 70 years.  Since 1995, Esso has been the title sponsor of the Esso Women's National Hockey Championships and is proud to continue to play a major role in supporting the growth and development of women's hockey in Canada,” said Karen Fraser, Marketing Sponsorship Manager for Imperial Oil.