City looks to partner with Swift Current in bid to host U-17 Hockey Challenge

A group bidding to bring an international hockey tournament to Medicine Hat hopes not only will the second time be the charm, but adding a second city will tip the scales in their favour.

The local bid committee seeking to host the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge announced Monday it hopes to partner with Swift Current to secure the 2019 event.

Chairman Ron Webb told city council the group’s unsuccessful plan to secure next year’s tournament has been retooled and is now being considered by organizer Hockey Canada.

“We’d have a number of games in Swift Current, which would certainly increase attendance and increases ability to gain sponsorships “said Webb, in a presentation to council.

“It minimizes the risk for liability locally and gives us the ability to generate more revenue.”

Webb’s committee was rejected in early October to host the 2018 event, but on Hockey Canada’s advice retooled the bid by a mid November deadline. Word could come in January about who will host the event, set for early November 2019.

This summer, council backed the 2018 bid with a $125,000 grant and also agreed to guarantee any shortfall from the tournament that involves six nations and acts as a pre-NHL draft scouting combine.

Under a new plan, Medicine Hat would provide only a $100,000 grant in a slightly higher budget (the City of Swift Current is being asked for $75,000), and each city would be liable for only half of any deficit.

Medicine Hat council voted 9-0 in favour on Monday. Results of a Swift Current council vote on the same night were not known at press time.

“It’s a no lose as far as I’m concerned, and anyway that we can get the word out about our corner of Western Canada I’m in favour,” said Coun. Brian Varga.

Webb said the economic spin-off could be between $4 million to $6 million.

Hockey Canada has said the single cities have struggled to maintain attendance levels over the course of 12 roundrobin games and another 10 playoff games.

Under a tentative plan, 12 games would be played in Medicine Hat and 10 in Swift Current with the two sites splitting round-robin matches and two quarter-finals. Brooks, Ralston and several unnamed southwest Saskatchewan communities could host exhibition games.

The semifinal and medal games would be at the Canalta Centre in Medicine Hat. The 2,900-seat Swift Current Iplex would be the host venue there.

The 2018 tournament was awarded in November to a joint bid by St. John, New Brunswick and suburb community Quispamsis.

This year’s tournament was held jointly in Ft. St. John, B.C. and Dawson Creek.