Alberta Midget AAA Teams Assist Canada's Women's Team As It Prepares for The 2006 Winter Olympics

CALGARY, AB – Canada’s National Women’s Centralized hockey team continues its preparations for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy with a four game exhibition tournament against three of Alberta’s Midget AAA teams from September 22-25, 2005.  Over the course of its 2005-06 season, Canada’s Women’s Centralized hockey team will play a total of 46 games, including 22 games against Alberta ‘AAA’ Midget Hockey League (AMHL) opponents.

Facing off against Midget AAA men’s hockey teams is not something new for Canada’s National Women’s Team. Prior to the 2002 Olympics, Canada’s NWT also played Alberta Midget AAA teams in preparation for Salt Lake City.

“The Alberta ‘AAA’ Midget Hockey League (AMHL) presents us with one of the highest levels of competition available.  These games are the closest we have to replicating the quality of play that we will face in international competition and allows us to have a full season” said Melody Davidson, Head Coach of Canada’s National Women’s Team.  “We are extremely appreciative that the teams and the AMHL have been so supportive and we are excited to start our 22-game series of games against Alberta’s Midget AAA teams.”

The four game exhibition tournament features: Canada’s National Women’s Team, the Calgary Buffaloes, the Calgary Royals and the Strathmore Bisons .  All games will be held September 22-25 at the Father David Bauer Arena in Calgary, AB and all games are open to the public free of charge.  Fans are encouraged to come out and cheer on the reigning Olympic Champions.

Exhibition Tournament Schedule

Canada’s National Women’s Team began its official step towards defending their Olympic Gold medal on August, 8 as they began full-time Centralization in Calgary, AB.  The Centralized Team is made up of the top 27 female Canadian hockey players.  Canada’s National women’s team was centralized full-time in Calgary prior to both the 20 Winter Olympic Games in the same fashion.