'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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.