(Halifax) Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are working together on a bid to host the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship.
Posted at 11:14 a.m.
The two provincial governments issued joint statements announcing their support for the initiative.
Halifax and Moncton would be the host cities for the tournament, which would be held from December 26, 2022 to January 5, 2023.
The provinces say the details of the proposal are confidential at this point in the application process.
The 2023 tournament was originally scheduled to take place in Novosibirsk, Russia. However, the FIHG announced on February 28 that it was withdrawing the privilege of hosting international tournaments from the Russians, in reaction to the invasion of Ukraine.
Nova Scotia hosted the 2003 championship in Halifax and Sydney.
“We’ve done it before and we’re ready to do it again,” Premier Tim Houston said in a statement. In 2003, we showed that there is no better host for this important event. »
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs said he was “proud” to offer his government’s support for the bid.
“Sporting events of this magnitude boost the economy, tourism and sport development,” said Higgs. They are also a great opportunity to invite people to our province and for hockey fans to experience exciting high-level competition. »
On Wednesday, Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard said his province, the Ottawa Senators and Quebecor are exploring the possibility of Ottawa and Quebec bidding together to host the 2023 championship.
The 2022 championship was recently rescheduled for mid-August in Edmonton.
The tournament was canceled on Dec. 29 after just four days of competition due to COVID-19 concerns.