2019 U SPORTS University Cup Men’s Hockey National Championship announces title sponsor
CAVENDISH FARMS PRONGHORNS-HOSTED
ON BOARD FOR EVENT
The company involved in the largest private investment in Lethbridge history has now added their name to a marquee event coming to the city next year for the first time.
On Wednesday, during a news conference at the Enmax Centre, Cavendish Farms was announced as the title sponsor of the 2019 U SPORTS University Cup Men’s Hockey National Championship.
The eight-team tournament, featuring the host University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men’s hockey team, will take place from March 14 to 17 at the Enmax Centre. It will mark the first time the men’s hockey national championship has been held in Alberta since 2006 and only the third time it’s been in the province in the last 30 years.
“It does not come out west very often,” said Ken McInnes, the U of L’s executive director, Sport & Recreation Services.
“We are very proud to be hosting this event. We’re going to show them what the city of Lethbridge and province of Alberta can do with an event, and showcase both the city, the Enmax and the university.”
“It will give the city of Lethbridge, southern Alberta, a really, really good opportunity to see the extremely high level of university hockey that we have in our country,” said Murray Nystrom, men’s hockey head coach at the U of L.
“It’s a very exciting season ahead for us. We know what’s down the road with this tournament. I’m looking forward to having our team ready when March rolls around.”
Cavendish Farms is building a $360-million state-of-the art frozen potato processing plant in Lethbridge, which will replace its existing facility. The new plant is anticipated to start up by fall 2019.
The sponsorship also continues a relationship between Cavendish Farms and U SPORTS that has seen them support the men’s national championship for nine of the past 13 seasons.
“Cavendish Farms is pleased to return as the title sponsor of the 2019 U SPORTS University Cup Men’s Hockey National Championship in Lethbridge,” said Robert K. Irving, president of Cavendish Farms, in a news release. “Having been involved in the past, we know this national championship produces hockey that is high calibre. We’re happy to partner with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns to bring this event to the community and hockey fans alike.”
“Having a big company like Cavendish say this is something we want to part of, and they’re starting up in our city — this is a real vote of confidence,” said McInnes. “I think it’s a great partnership. That they are excited to come on board as a major contributor to this event speaks well to their commitment to our community.”
Ticket packages for the 2019 U SPORTS Cavendish Farms University Cup Men’s Hockey National Championship are on sale through the Enmax Centre box office and at
McInnes said they will be looking at ticket opportunities for local schools, Lethbridge Minor Hockey teams, and U of L and Lethbridge College students. Rogers Hometown Hockey will also be in Lethbridge that weekend.
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