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Some of the best hockey players in the world are set to meet in Saskatchewan this February when the women’s rivalry series between the national U.S. and Canadian teams hold games in Regina and Saskatoon.
“As we celebrate coming back to life following COVID-19, these are moments that I’m sure we will all cherish,” said Tim Reid, Regina Exhibition Association Ltd. (REAL) CEO, at the announcement.
Reid said his organization along with the cities and tourism groups have been working with Hockey Canada on several bids in recent years.
“As a community and as a province, we’ve been very clear to them that we want to host the very best in Canadian hockey, and when the opportunity for the rivalry series came forward, we were thrilled,” said Reid.
He said while the event isn’t an economic driver for REAL, it’s an opportunity to showcase Team Canada and celebrate the country.
“It is a great tourism initiative and, more importantly, I think it’s the type of event that build relationships so that we can go back to the international world of hockey and other sports and say ‘we’re a great place to host,’” said Reid.
The Brandt Centre in Regina hopes to sell out for the rivalry match on Feb. 9, 2024 (980 CJME)
According to Reid, the ticket prices will be very affordable – in line with WHL prices.
“I’m sure they will go fast because we want to sell out the Brandt Centre and we want to cheer team Canada on to a huge win, said Reid.
Tickets go on sale Friday, with the Saskatoon game on Feb. 7 and the Regina game on Feb 9.
Regina Mayor Sandra Masters says being able to host a national women’s hockey event doesn’t happen every day.
“The opportunity, it’s truly exciting. We know that just even showcasing women’s hockey is important and the ability to sell out the Brandt Centre and to show Team Canada how much we appreciate their efforts and their representation of our country,” said Masters.
The City of Regina contributed $50,000 to the bid.
The two games are part of the growing recognition of women’s hockey. The professional women’s hockey league starts this season, along with the junior women’s hockey league in Saskatchewan, the SFJHL.
