MORDEN & WINKLER, Man. – For the first time in tournament history, Manitoba is ready to roll out the welcome mat for the 2019 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, Nov. 5-9 in Morden and Winkler.

Eight teams will vie for the national title; defending champion Ontario Red, which has won 11 of the 12 gold medals, will be joined by Alberta, Atlantic and Saskatchewan in Group A in Winkler, while host Manitoba is part of Group B in Morden, alongside British Columbia, Ontario Blue and Quebec.

“It’s exciting to welcome Hockey Canada and the teams and hockey fans to Morden and Winkler,” said Clare Agnew, host committee co-chair. “It’s going to be an incredible week of hockey, and we’re looking forward to showing every team support and encouragement.”

Historically, the National Women’s Under-18 Championship has brought in more than $1.5 million in local economic impact, with net proceeds remaining in the community to support the growth of the game.

Surrounding communities will host pre-tournament games on Nov. 3; Atlantic faces Quebec in Holland, Ontario Blue takes on Ontario Red in Altona, Alberta and Manitoba battle in Pilot Mound, and Saskatchewan and British Columbia play in Carman.

Full-event ticket packages are available at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets for $70, which includes all 18 games between the two venues. All preliminary-round games, placement games, semifinals and the bronze medal game will be live streamed at HockeyCanada.ca/NWU18. The gold medal game will be played live on TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners, on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. CT/5 p.m. ET; check local listings for details.

For more information on Hockey Canada and the National Women’s Under-18 Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow through social media on Facebook and Twitter.