Olds has been named host of the 2015 peewee AA boys major provincial hockey tournament, an event that will bring Alberta's 10 best teams to town the weekend of March 19-22.
Chris Bell, the Olds Minor Hockey Association's peewee AA coach, said the bid committee received a congratulatory email from Hockey Alberta early last week, alerting them that their pitch was successful.
The last time Olds hosted a provincial boys hockey tournament was 1990.
When reached by the Albertan, the news was still sinking in for committee chair Ginger Christian.
“I'm still kind of in disbelief that we got it. I'm excited, it's an opportunity of a lifetime for the boys right now,” she said. “It's all for the kids.”
Christian said she believed Olds was awarded the right to host because of its easily-accessible location, amenities and community spirit.
“That was partially in our bid too because I think it's just a really strong-knit community that can handle that kind of stuff,” she said.
As host, the Olds peewee Grizzlys automatically get a spot in the tournament but Christian said the team is still hoping to prove its mettle during the qualifying games leading up to it.
“Just because we're given a spot doesn't mean we let the horsepower off. We still have to continue through and win the zone as well, proving that yes, we deserve to be here as well as host it,” she said.
Playing at the provincial finals at home will be a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” for his boys, Bell said.
“We've got kids who've won provincials at lower levels, but to have the highest-level tournament right in their hometown with lots of local supporters, they're just going to be over the moon,” he said.
Hosting the tournament and the 200-some families expected to arrive should benefit local businesses and raise the profile of the town, Christian said, adding that the committee will take time off during the holidays but return to work once the new year arrives, confirming hotel and facility bookings.
They are also seeking volunteers and sponsorships. For more information, reach Ginger Christian at 403-505-6509.
