'Estevan is buzzing': City welcomes best in Junior A hockey for 2022 Centennial Cup
After pandemic-related delays for the past three years, the puck finally dropped Thursday on the 2022 Centennial Cup in Estevan.
For the organizers who have been patiently waiting and frantically planning at times, the sound skates on ice Thursday was welcomed.
“Feels great, we’ve been at this a long time,” said event co-chair Greg Hoffort. “When we finally got the green light in January, that it was going to be a go and not only that — but we’re going to increase it from five to 10 teams — there has been a ton of planning going on and it feels great.”
Hoffort estimated the economic spin-offs of the 12 day tournament would likely amount to $3 million to $5 million for the city. Typically, he said, host teams make around $3 million during the national Junior A Hockey Championship.
But this year, the rules changed to expand the draw to 10 teams rather than five. That will have serious economic impacts.
Jeff Pierson believes just that, because he’s seeing it at both his Days Inn hotel and Black Beard Restaraunt.
“It’s a noticeable impact to our operation. I think throughout the whole city,” said Pierson.
“It’s just ramping up and now we’re at day one of the Centennial Cup — we’re really rolling now.”
He said his hotel has been sold out for quite some time, and so has every other hotel in the city. When asked if you could get a hotel room in Estevan, Pierson said: “only if you know a guy.”
“This is probably the biggest thing the city has ever hosted,” he said.
Hotels may be available in neighbouring Weyburn, Pierson added.
Mayor Roy Ludwig estimated the city’s economic impact to be in between $3 and $4 million. The long-time Mayor said he can feel the excitement.
“Estevan is buzzing. They’re alive with excitement and the impact of this many people coming to our community — they’re excited. And it’s just contagious,” he said.
The tournament will welcome 10 teams from across Canada to Estevan, with the finals set for May 29 at Affinity Place.
The SJHL champion in the host Estevan Bruins aren’t the lone team from the league. League Finalists in the Flin Flon Bombers also will compete in the 2022 Centennial Cup.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.