As Quispamsis laces up to co-host the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, they are getting $75,000 from the federal government.
Fundy Royal MP Alaina Lockhart made a stop in Quispamsis on Saturday morning to make the announcement.
Lockhart told our newsroom the money will be used to help the town organize and promote the eight-day event.
“We’re very fortunate in our area to have a large group of volunteers and an organizing group,” Lockhart said. “They’re working really hard to make sure that it is a success.”
Lockhart said the tournament is expected to bring a significant economic boost to the entire Saint John region.
The @HC_WU17 is coming to Quispamsis! @ACOACanada is there to support the organizers as they prepare to host visitors from around the world for some amazing hockey in our area! Don’t forget to get your tickets! https://t.co/irdTHanwh2 pic.twitter.com/oK6cUJnxs1
— Alaina Lockhart, MP (@AlainaLockhart) October 27, 2018
According to Hockey Canada, previous host communities have received as much as $6 million in economic impact.
Lockhart said this will be another wonderful opportunity to show visitors the hospitality we have in Atlantic Canada.
“I’m sure for many of them, it may be their first visit, but it won’t be their last,” she said.
The World Under-17 Hockey Challenge takes place from November 3 to 10 at the qplex and at Harbour Station in Saint John.
Story by Brad Perry
Twitter: @BradMPerry
Email: perry.brad@radioabl.ca
(Photo, from left to right: Aaron Kennedy, chair of the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge host organizing committee; Alaina Lockhart, MP for Fundy Royal; Gary Clark, mayor of Quispamsis. [Submitted by Aaron Kennedy])