FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUMMERSIDE, PE (February 7, 2020) – This morning the Maritime Hockey League (MHL) officially endorsed the City of Summerside and the Summerside Western Capitals to go to bid for the 2023 Centennial Cup.
“In 2013, we welcomed the nation to Summerside hosting our third Centennial Cup, which has since been deemed one of the most successful in the events storied history,” mentioned JP Desrosiers, Director of Community Services. “We want an opportunity to do it again however this time bring a National Championship back to our City”
Representation from the City of Summerside and the Summerside Western Capitals were on hand today to officially announce their intention to bid on the 2023 Centennial Cup.
“The Centennial Cup is one of the most sought-after national events in the Country and our City has been blessed to successfully host it on three occasions,” commented Mayor Basil Stewart. “This event carries close to $3 million in economic activity during the shoulder season which is fantastic for the local tourism sector.”
Summerside has a 30-year history of hosting national and international events and its commitment to sport tourism represents $16 million in annual economic activity in the city. Credit Union Place has been a main stay in hosting over the last decade and has played host to countless national and international events, concerts, trade shows and more and will be a key element to a successful bid for the 2023 Centennial Cups return to Summerside.
Should Summerside be successful in garnering the event for 2023, it would mark the fourth time the event has been awarded to the City and the Western Capitals – more than any other Junior “A” franchise in Canada. In 2013 the event broke two attendance records that still stand today and while the Western Capitals fell just short of a National championship losing the to the Brooks Bandits in the National final.
With the support of Hockey PEI, Summerside Western Capitals (@SSideCapitals), Summerside and Area Minor Hockey Association, Province of PEI, The City of Summerside, Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce and Explore Summerside, the bid committee will showcase the City’s long standing history of hosting sporting events, Summerside Western Capitals storied 39 year history, along with the unparalleled hospitality and state of the art facilities that can be offered.
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Centennial Cup
The Centennial Cup is a Hockey Canada sanctioned event that is scheduled to be held between the dates of May 13-21, 2023 with a tournament format including single round robin schedule, followed by two semi-final games and a gold medal championship for a total of 13 games. The event is comprised of five teams. One from each of the four CJHL region finals across Canada, along with the host team.
For media inquires:
Mitch Shea
Marketing and Promotions Coordinator
City of Summerside – Credit Union Place
p. 902-432-1234
e. mitchell.shea@city.summerside.pe.ca
OR
JP Desrosiers
Director of Community Services
City of Summerside
p. 902-432-1234
e. jp@city.summerside.pe.ca