(submitted photo/Hockey Canada)

By paNOW Staff

Minor hockey boost

P.A. minor hockey gets boost from Esso Cup

Jun 10, 2020 | 3:00 PM

Even though the 2020 Esso Cup was cancelled, the Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association is still getting a financial boost from the tournament.

BDO’s Goals for Kids campaign provides $50 for each goal scored at a Hockey Canada national event to the hosts. Though the Esso Cup national tournament won’t be happening until 2021, BDO still contributed $5,500 to Prince Albert hockey, based on a projection of how many goals would have been scored.

All of Hockey Canada’s spring events were cancelled in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the 2020 Esso Cup. Hockey Canada announced Prince Albert will host the 2021 Esso Cup.

“Prince Albert Hockey is very excited that the Esso Cup is coming to Prince Albert after all,” Prince Albert minor hockey technical director James Mays said in a statement. “We are very pleased for everyone involved and all the work that has been done that Hockey Canada has seen fit to give us this ‘re-do’. We believe this will be a great event for our city and our female program.

“The fact that there is a portion of the net proceeds of all ticket sales earmarked for minor hockey, including the BDO Goals for Kids campaign, is icing on the cake,” Mays said. “We are presently in discussions with the Saskatchewan Hockey Association looking at a new initiative to inspire female players to get involved in the coaching side of the game, and these dollars could certainly go a long way to kick-start that program. We have a great female program in Prince Albert and would definitely like to have more of our female players involved in coaching as they have lots to offer the young female players of tomorrow.”

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

12h ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

15h ago

Budget woes

Golf and curling centre faces grim season without financial boost

19h ago

“The host organizing committee would like to thank BDO for their generous contribution to PA Hockey, even though the 2020 Esso Cup did not take place,” Robin Wildey, 2021 Esso Cup chair, said. “Our group continues to work hard to put on a world-class event in 2021 which will include a strong legacy for female hockey in Prince Albert and the surrounding area for generations to come.”

Following the 2021 Esso Cup, BDO will make another contribution to Prince Albert minor hockey as their agreement with Hockey Canada will still be in place.

—

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow