2020 Esso Cup

In September 2018, Hockey Canada announced that the 2020 Esso Cup would be hosted in Prince Albert. The Esso Cup is the championship tournament that culminates the female midget triple-A season to determine Canada’s top team. “It’s an elite event and the first time the national championship will be held in our city,” says Robin Wildey, Co-Chair of the 2020 Esso Cup Committee.

Expected to be a competitive team, the host Prince Albert Northern Bears will face off against the top teams representing the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, West and Pacific regions. The Bears hope to be the first host team to win the championship and the first Saskatchewan team to win it all since the Weyburn Gold Wings in 2014. After finishing fourth in the SMFAAAHL this past season, the Bears battled hard against the Notre Dame Hounds in the first round of the 2019 playoffs, falling 3-1 in the best of five series. They look to build on their experience and challenge for the championship in 2020.

Photo courtesy paNOW

2020 EVENT, FAN EXPERIENCE

On the heels of a wildly successful 2018 World Junior Softball Championship, the Esso Cup committee is looking to build on that success and deliver a memorable experience for fans. “This city puts on fantastic events. We want to continue that run and showcase Prince Albert,” Wildey emphasizes.

The seven-day event will be played at the Art Hauser Centre from April 19-25, 2020. Spectators will see Canada’s best female Midget teams from each region. With affordable ticket packages, elite on-ice talent and fast-paced action to pre-game festivals, cabarets and community events, the Esso Cup has something for everyone. Full details on ticket packages and individual game tickets will be announced soon and can be found at www.hockeycanada.ca.

The Esso Cup plays an important role in growing female hockey and showcasing talent, “It’s a huge event for the female players and a great event for the fans,” Wildey emphasizes. The tournament connects fans with teams for a unique, memorable experience, “Hockey Canada is very interactive with the people in attendance. There’s giveaways, local schools adopt a team, community involvement and a fun atmosphere, we’re really looking forward to it,” he adds.

For more details on the 2020 Esso Cup visit www.hockeycanada.ca

Follow the Prince Albert Northern Bears’ road to the 2020 Esso Cup on social media and for their full regular season schedule, visit www.sfmaaahl.com