Sign up for the northeastNOW newsletter

Trojans making bid for 2019 Telus Cup West Regionals

Jan 24, 2018 | 11:00 AM

The Trojans are hoping to bring four of western Canada’s top AAA midget hockey teams to Tisdale next season.

The hockey club is finalizing a proposal to host the 2019 Telus Cup West Regional for the first time since 2006. The team bid on the 2016 event, but was passed over for Saskatoon. Club president Brett Casavant said many people involved in the 2006 event are still associated with the club, potentially assisting this year’s attempt.

“It was a pretty big event,” he told northeastNOW. “The rink was full every game and we had a bunch of fan events in the curling rink which brought a lot of people,” he said.

The tournament rotates between northern Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Casavant said each team will bring roughly 22 players plus support staff. Fans will attend as well as scouts from across Canada and the United States. He said the entire region will benefit from economic spin-offs.

The selection committee looks to revenue potential and prior experience when choosing a host site. Casavant said the bid committee is optimistic.

“I think we proved Tisdale can host the tournament effectively. 2006 was one of the most successful events when it comes to non-sponsored income,” he said.

He said Canalta Hotel has since opened in the town as well as numerous other businesses that will see the advantages of hosting if the committee is successful. Casavant said the team itself will also become stronger on the ice.

“If you are hosting the next year it’s a great recruitment tool,” he said.

The committee needs to have its proposal submitted by Jan. 26. Casavant expects the group will make a formal presentation next week to representatives from the Saskatchewan AAA Midget Hockey League. A host site will be chosen Jan. 31.

 

Clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ClarkStork