PROVINCE SUPPORTS WORLD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS BID

The Province of Saskatchewan today announced it will support a joint Saskatoon-Winnipeg bid to host the 2007 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) world championships.

"The province is enthusiastically supporting Saskatoon's bid for the 2007 IIHF world championships," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "If we win the bid, it will be the best ever, with Saskatoon once again showcasing its ability to host a world class event of this calibre and showing the world that our future is wide open."

The Saskatoon-Winnipeg bid is competing against a joint bid from Halifax-Quebec City. The Canadian Hockey Association (CHA) will receive both bids on April 2nd in Calgary. Within days, the CHA will announce which bid will represent Canada before the International Ice Hockey Federation, where the Canadian bid will compete with Russia, Sweden and Germany.

"I have every confidence that Saskatoon will shine as co-host of the championships. I commend the Government of Saskatchewan for its support since the event will benefit the entire province," Saskatoon Mayor Jim Maddin said.

Joe Bloski, co-chair of the IIHF World Championship Bid Committee, said the commitments from the Province and the City underline the importance of the championships for hockey fans and tourism throughout Saskatchewan.

"This is a great day for Saskatoon, the province and for hockey," Bloski said. "With support from the Province and the City, we have an excellent chance of hosting the championships. The IIHF world championships have never been held in North America in their 92-year history. Now is the time to change the pattern."

The Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have agreed not to release details regarding the bid until after the CHA hears both Canadian presentations.

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For More Information, Contact:

Rob Cunningham Executive Council Regina Phone: (306)787-6349