Bruce Vance, special events and sponsorship co-chair of the Esso Cup, speaks during a press conference on Thursday. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Countdown to the cup

Esso Cup announces new fan events

Mar 12, 2020 | 12:29 PM

Amid concerns that COVID-19 could see the event cancelled or postponed, organizers of the Esso Cup say they’re confident Canada’s top midget female hockey tournament will go on as planned.

On Thursday at the Art Hauser Centre, organizers announced new sponsors and fan events with just 38 days remaining in the countdown to the cup.

Over 1,400 students from elementary schools in the area will be bused in to watch the noon games from Monday to Thursday courtesy of the Broda Group of Companies.

Cup Chair Robin Wildey told paNOW aside from creating a great atmosphere for the players, seeing the games will inspire young fans of the sport.

“Being young, looking at some of the older 15 to 17-year-old girls thinking ‘Hey maybe I can do that one day’ is going to be just huge,” Wildey said.

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The COVID-19 question

As to whether the event will be able to take place at all amid growing concerns of COVID-19, Wildey said the final decision will come from Hockey Canada.

“We’re having those conversations with Hockey Canada. We’ve been talking to them quite regularly,” he explained. “No decisions have been made as of yet, we’re still confident that this will keep on going.”

Focus on fans

Also announced on Thursday, Fanfest will kick off the tournament in the parking lot of the Art Hauser Centre on Saturday April 18. Local musicians Constant Reminder will play for the crowd and Teena Monteleone of Jim Pattison Broadcast Group will MC the afternoon of entertainment and team introductions.

The Ches Leach Lounge will be transformed into the Molson Hockey House broadcasting the tournament live on big screen TVs and hosting performances by local bands.

SaskEnergy was also announced as a key sponsor.

Finally, with 157 of 180 positions filled, organizers are looking for a final few volunteers.

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alison.sandstrom@hotmail.com

by Alison Sandstrom

Esso Cup announces new fan events

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