It’s an announcement that will provide a reason to celebrate, not just for the Estevan Bruins, but for the community as a whole.
The 2022 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, is coming to the Energy City. Estevan had bid on the 2021 national junior A hockey tournament, but that competition was awarded to Penticton, B.C., with Estevan as the runner-up.
Due to the strength of Estevan’s bid, Hockey Canada decided to award the 2022 tournament to Estevan directly.
Representatives of the Bruins organization, the local bid committee, Estevan city council, the City of Estevan, the media and the public gathered at Affinity Place Thursday morning for the announcement.
The tournament will be held over a 10-day span in May 2022.
Club president Cory Prokop and city councillor Greg Hoffort, who co-chaired the bid committee, are thrilled the championship is coming.
Prokop said a lot of people put in a lot of hard work and support for the bid.
“Estevan has proven that when it comes to hosting events of this scale, we’re second to none in the country. We look forward to showcasing our city, our amazing volunteers and our hockey club in 2022,” said Prokop.
Hoffort said the Centennial Cup will be an “absolute true partnership” between the Bruins and the city, and both have stepped up for it to be a great event.
Previous hosts of the national tournament have experienced an economic spinoff of about $3 million for hotels, restaurants and shopping areas. The legacy will be felt by the Bruins, the Estevan Minor Hockey Association and possibly recreation facilities in Estevan.
The break-even budget is about $700,000-$800,000, and that will be ironed out as the tournament approaches. Revenue will be generated by grants, ticket sales, corporate sponsorships and other sources.
“We’re going to welcome Canada to Affinity Place here in Estevan,” said Hoffort.
Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
