Rick Stiebel
B次元官网网址 staff
The national selection camp for CanadaB次元官网网址檚 junior hockey team in Colwood could create the kind of buzz that extends far beyond the West Shore.
Dave Saunders believes the three games Dec. 12 to 14 to decide who suits up for Canada in the 2019 International Ice Hockey Federation world junior championship will have a ripple effect that draws more attention to The Q Centre in particular and sports tourism in general.
B次元官网网址淪ports tourism is an evolving industry on the West Shore,B次元官网网址� said Saunders, whose family is synonymous with supporting amateur sports throughout the region.
RELATED: World Juniors fast approaching as training camp begins in Colwood
B次元官网网址淭he West Shore has some of the best facilities in the region. Langford has done a great job of supporting that, and the ambience and fan experience at The Q Centre has already drawn accolades. ItB次元官网网址檚 great to see that happening in Colwood, and it helps spread the message far and wide about the great things going on here. The more sports tourism, the better.B次元官网网址�
The three games against the U Sports all-star team will increase the passion for hockey that already exists throughout the region, said Saunders, who has coached girls minor hockey in the Juan de Fuca organization for 16 years.
B次元官网网址淵ou canB次元官网网址檛 measure the impact watching high-calibre hockey will have on the kids and coaches involved in minor hockey,B次元官网网址� he noted. B次元官网网址淗aving the tryout camp here is absolutely fabulous.B次元官网网址�
RELATED: Organizers expect full arenas for World Juniors in Vancouver, Victoria
Saunders, who played for the Western Hockey LeagueB次元官网网址檚 Victoria Cougars and with the Cowichan Capitals in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League, still laces up the skates in a recreational league on Wednesday nights. B次元官网网址淢y wife, my daughters and sisters all playB次元官网网址he whole family is pumped for the games at The Q Centre.B次元官网网址�
The games will have a measurable impact on local businesses as well, he noted. B次元官网网址淪ports tourism creates jobs and brings more people to our community,B次元官网网址� he added with an enthusiastic B次元官网网址淕o Canada go.B次元官网网址�
Arena and events co-ordinator Rob Wilson said everyone is working hard to ensure the upcoming games are a success.
B次元官网网址淗aving 34 players in camp creates a buzz in the community,B次元官网网址� he said.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 exciting for all the businesses to have all the boys come in for dinner or stay in a local accommodation. Everyone gets to feel like part of Team Canada when the players come to your community. All of the staff at West Shore parks and Recreation are very excited and are everyoneB次元官网网址檚 stepping up to prepare for next week.B次元官网网址�
The tryouts at The Q Centre, which holds about 2,800 people, will be followed by exhibition games against Switzerland Dec. 19 and Slovakia Dec. 21 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena in Victoria. Tickets for the Canada U-Sports games are $15 and The Q Centre and Save-on-Foods arena box offices.
