KAMLOOPS — Twelve years ago Kamloops played host to some World Junior Hockey Championship games when the tournament was held in Vancouver.
It’s returning to Vancouver and Victoria for the 2019 tournament.
Kamloops won’t be host to any of those games next December and January.
But this summer we’ll see most of the players from four countries who will take part in the 2019 World Juniors.
It’s called the World Junior Summer Showcase Tournament, and it will be played at the Sandman Centre July 28 to August 4, featuring Canada, the U.S., Sweden and Finland.
“Eight days, 11 games at the Sandman Centre,” says local host committee chair and Kamloops Minor Hockey President Jon Pankuch. “We’re excited to have these four teams – four top teams in the World Junior camps.”
It’s a Summer Showcase in which Canada, the U.S., Finland and Sweden will bring their top prospects for the 2019 World Junior Championship. Many of the players will be top end draft picks and some already signed by NHL teams. Jon Pankuch says its a natural fit given the cities history with International Ice Hockey Federation events.
“Between the city and us, the Kamloops Blazers, minor hockey and Hockey Canada we have good relationships and they (Hockey Canada and the IIHF) have enjoyed the events we’ve hosted here,” says Pankuch, “The 4-Nations Cup (2014), the 2016 Women’s Worlds – we’re already known for that kind of stuff here, and that’s what we pride ourselves on. Now these phone calls are getting easier and easier , what better place to have it.”
It also has potential to show off the ability again to host a major event – like the Blazers bid to host the 2020 Memorial Cup.
“I think this will help,” says Pankuch, “We all know what we’re capable of doing, but anytime we can bring it to light, especially with an important bid like the Memorial Cup – I think this is definately going to help.”
Last years summer showcase was in Plymouth, Michigan and featured a six team tournament format with Canada and the U.S. each icing two teams.
The 11 game tournament schedule hasn’t been finalized – but ticket packages went on sale today online at Hockey Canada and at the Sandman Centre box office.
