Sault to host World Under-17 Hockey Challenge this fall

Sault Ste. Marie will host the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge from October 31 to November 8.

City Council agreed tonight to provide $25,000 toward the cost of hosting the event, which is expected to book 1,750 hotel rooms and to feature three Canadian and five international teams.

Past world under-17 championships have drawn attendance ranging from 30,000 to 44,000 with hockey teams from USA, Finland, Russia, Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

The municipality is expected to receive $60,000 in direct revenue from the event, in addition to economic benefits for the community.

When Sydney, Nova Scotia hosted the 2014 challenge, spending by spectators and organizers totalled $1.8 million.

This was estimated to generate $3.8 million in economic activty in Nova Scotia, $2.6 million of that in Sydney.

Teams will compete in two pools in a single round-robin format, followed two regulation games, two semi-final games and two medal games.

There will also be four exhibition games before the official event begins, bringing the total number of games to 28.

$5,200 has been budgeted for opening and closing ceremonies.

Ice rental will cost $45,000.

The cost of setting up for the event is estimated at $16,000.

In addition to the city donation, the event budget also calls for contributions from Fednor ($100,000), Northern Ontario Heritage Fund ($100,000), Hockey Canada ($50,000), Sport Canada ($25,000) and Tourism Sault Ste. Marie ($25,000).

Other major hockey tournaments hosted by Sault Ste. Marie