One of B.C. Hockey's most prestigious tournaments is ready for launch right here in Prince George. If the Under-16 B.C. Cup reaches the anticipated heights of success, Andy Beesley envisions more big events stepping onto local ice in the years to come.
"That's my intention, that's the idea behind this," said Beesley, chair of the host committee.
"We want bigger and better tournaments. There are U-17 tournaments, U-18 tournaments, WHL exhibition international games -- all sorts of things that we're going to be going after in the future."
Prince George already wants B.C. Hockey to recommend it as the host city for the 2012 Telus Cup national midget championship. The bid package is due at B.C. Hockey headquarters today.
The Under-16 B.C. Cup is a jamboree-style tournament that will see eight all-star-calibre clubs battle for gold. Players, coaches and other officials arrived in town on Wednesday. Practices are planned for today at Kin 1 and CN Centre and games will start on Friday. Sunday is playoff day and a champion will be determined that afternoon.
The U-16 B.C. Cup is part of B.C. Hockey's high performance program and will play a role in deciding which 20 players will form Team B.C. for the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax. The top prospects in this week's tournament will be invited to a July provincial camp, which will be the final step toward making Team B.C.
For more, see The Citizen.
