Some of the top female hockey players in the world will be in Clarenville in November as part of the Four Nations Cup tournament featuring 2010 Olympic gold medal champions Team Canada along with Finland, Sweden and the United States.
The tournament brings together the top four women’s hockey nations in the world.
The Clarenville Events Centre will be the venue for two of the eight round robin games of the tournament. All other games are schedule for Mile One Centre in St. John’s.
The first game in Clarenville on Tuesday, Nov. 9 will feature Finland and Sweden.
The second game at the Events Centre will see Sweden take on Canada. Both games are set for 7 p.m.
Events Centre manager Todd Cole says playing host to a sporting event like the Four Nations Cup will be a tremendous boost for the town.
“An event of this magnitude from an exposure perspective is certainly a very positive thing,” says Cole. “It’s huge, not just from the exposure the town will get from this event, but for long term implications for future events that we could possibly host here.
“It won’t be just about hockey. It will also be about Clarenville, and our pride in our facility. It’s an opportunity to show the rest of the world what we have here. Hockey Canada has high expectations and I have every confidence that our staff is capable of pulling this off.”
While Cole says his staff will be up to the challenge he will also require volunteer support.
“Obviously we have a limited staff but this will be an opportunity for the community as a whole to embrace this type of event. Hopefully, there will be many more, but for now this is the biggest. Our facility can certainly accommodate this type of event. Now we just need to ensure we can pull it off and I have every confidence in our ability to be able to do that.”
Cole has been in consultations with representatives from Hockey Canada concerning the two games in Clarenville and as well as acting as host for Team Sweden.
“Hockey Canada asked if we would be interested in acting as host for Sweden and of course we were more than delighted to do so,” says Cole.
The timing couldn’t be better he notes, especially since the senior Caribous have their home opener the same weekend.
“We’re still working on the final details of their stay here but it may be that someone from Team Sweden could drop the puck for the first senior game of the season at the Events Centre.
“As well they will probably have some on ice practice sessions and they will be utilizing our local facilities like the gym and swimming pool,” he says.
Cole is also looking into getting schools in the area involved.
“We’ve been discussing getting the schools involved in doing banners and the like and maybe even working with the minor hockey program as well,” he says.
“Obviously, hockey is the main attraction. We are going to put our best foot forward to show the rest of the province and the world that Clarenville is not just a great place for hockey but we are a great community as well.”
Tickets for the two games go on sale tomorrow at the Clarenville Events Centre box office or by calling 466-4105 ext. 222.
kgosse@thepacket.ca
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