The pressure is on as members of the RBC Cup Chilliwack 2018 Bid Committee get ready to fly to Lloydminster, Alberta.
There, they'll meet with Hockey Canada officials to make their final pitch to host the 2018 RBC Cup National Junior A Hockey Championship in Chilliwack.
“Although we aren’t certain of which cities we’re bidding against, we’re confident in the business, non-profit, First Nations, government, and community partnerships that our bid package displays,” said Scott Beare, director of sport development for Tourism Chilliwack.
“We’re making the case that Chilliwack is a premier sports tourism destination, not only because of our proven record of hosting the BCHL Showcase and other events, but our ability to provide an ultimate experience through our amenities in the city and in nature,” Beare explained.
Following a phone call from Hockey Canada informing the committee that Chilliwack had been shortlisted as potential host city for the 2018 championship, the team set to work preparing for what will be a 45-minute presentation and one hour of questions.
The Chilliwack contingent travelling to Lloydminster for the May 16 interview will be Allison Colthorp, Executive Director, and Scott Beare, Director of Sport Development for Tourism Chilliwack; Glen Ringdal, President, Jason Tatarnic, Coach and General Manager, and Barry Douglas, Director of Marketing and Sales, for Chilliwack Chiefs Hockey Club.
“Contained in the bid package is a wealth of information about our incredible community,” said Douglas.
“From Chilliwack culture and history, to its outdoor recreational opportunities, to our outstanding sports facilities, to our growing economy and supportive sports tourism industry, we want to ensure that Hockey Canada has a chance to understand the great potential Chilliwack has to be an outstanding host city,” he said.
Letters of support in the bid package were written by numerous community leaders and organizations including Grand Chief David Jimmie, Mayor Sharon Gaetz, MLA John Martin, MP Mark Strahl, Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Chilliwack BIA, BCHL, NHL scouts, Rotary clubs, local hotels, media, recreational facilities, and more.
All of these letters contained a similar message – that Chilliwack is ready and willing to host this impressive tournament and welcome hockey teams from across Canada to their beautiful city.
“Expressions of support for our bid from the local community are still very welcome,” said bid committee member Desmond Devnich.
Chilliwack enthusiasts are encouraged to send a tweet to @HockeyCanada including the hashtag #CHWK2018 to tell them that we're ready and excited to host the RBC Cup.
After the bid presentation and interview on May 16, Hockey Canada will have time to deliberate before announcing their final decision at the 2016 RBC Cup Finals in Lloydminster on Sunday, May 22.