Plans for the upcoming provincial hockey championship to be hosted at the Innisfail Twin Arena the first weekend in April have begun to materialize.
Organizers say they will pull out all the stops to make sure the 2013 Senior AA/A Investors Group Hockey Alberta Provincials provides not only thrilling entertainment, but also leaves a lingering positive impact on the town.
ìWe have a lot of people asking about it,î said Darin Doel, chair of the provincial host committee. ìThe community is excited, the players are excited and the staff is excited.î
Already rooms are being booked at local hotels and organizers estimate the net economic benefit to Innisfail could be around $285,000.
With this year marking the 65th year of Eagles hockey, the senior hockey team hopes to show up the rest of the squads from all over Alberta.
Nine teams will take part in eight games over the course of Friday and Saturday and two championship matches on Sunday.
The official opening ceremonies will take place at 8 p.m. on the Friday before the Eagles' first game.
ìWe hope to use the youth in the opening ceremonies,î Doel said, referring to an interest to incorporate Innisfail Minor Hockey into the weekend festivities.
The biggest challenges the organizing committee is currently facing involve finding sponsors and advertisers and signing up the many volunteers that will be necessary to keep the event running smoothly. Volunteer opportunities include food sales, off-ice officials, 50/50 raffle help and security duties.
The weekend will also feature a cabaret with beef on a bun and feature entertainment by Denver Daines.
ìThese events really help us promote Innisfail,î said Terry Welsh, Innisfail's director of community and protective services. ìIt's a huge boost to the community's image.
ìBeyond economic benefits there are intangible benefits when you host these types of championships.î
Two pre-tournament matches will be held March 9 at 8:30 and March 10 at 1 p.m. against Fort St. John Flyers. In 2010 the Flyers beat the Eagles' archrivals the Bentley Generals to win the Allen Cup.
ìWe were looking and both need games in March for competition,î said Eagles' board member Lee Kemp. ìWe wanted to make it work for both of us.î
The Flyers will then go on to play against the Powell River Regals for the B.C. AAA finals and the glory of the Savage Cup. The Eagles will get some practice providing hospitality to out-of-town teams as they gear up for the Alberta championship on home soil.
For advance tickets to provincials or to volunteer call Darin at 403-573-2799 or email [email protected].
