The Calgary Sport Tourism Authority and Edmonton Events International formally announced today their intention to bid as co‐hosts for the 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, scheduled for December 26, 2011 to January 5, 2012. After review of the opportunity, both organizations recognized the value of an alliance to strengthen a formal bid. A letter of intent must be submitted to Hockey Canada by February 1st, 2008; with a formal bid package lodged on April 15th, 2008.

The ‘Alberta 2012 Bid’ is supported by Hockey Alberta, Calgary Sport Tourism Authority, Edmonton Events International, Edmonton Oil Kings, Calgary Hitmen, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Northlands, The City of Edmonton, The City of Calgary, Edmonton Tourism, Tourism Calgary, and the Calgary Olympic Development Association.

Hockey Canada has secured the right from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to host the 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. Recently hosted in Canada (Vancouver, Kelowna and Kamloops), the 2006 tournament generated $3 million in sponsorship revenues and an economic impact in excess of $30 million. The 2009 event will be hosted in Ottawa and has already set a new record with more than 440,000 tickets (95 per cent capacity) sold to date.

Community leaders, Jim Peplinski and Lyle Best have volunteered to serve as co-chairs of the Alberta bid. “This will be great for all levels of hockey in Alberta. The Alberta 2012 bid will show that we can deliver the best sporting event in Canada, and that our western hospitality and our legacy of hosting excellence are second to none,” said Peplinksi, a former co-captain with the Calgary Flames, and now successful businessman in Calgary.

"As one of the premier sporting events in Canada, the inclusion of both Calgary and Edmonton as hosts to the tournament, gives this bid the profile that it deserves. We expect an excellent Alberta bid will have a strong chance on the national stage against the other bid cities," said Best, President and CEO of Quikcard Solutions INC and Executive Director of the Edmonton Oilers Alumni.

“For many Albertans, hockey is a way of life and celebrated in communities across the province,” said Cindy Ady, Associate Minister of Tourism Promotion. “With our passion for the game, and the experience our two largest cities have in hosting international sporting events, a 2012 Championship in Alberta would be one of the best in the tournament’s history.”

Patrick LaForge, President and CEO of the Edmonton Oilers, stated, “We are strongly supporting the bid. The World Junior Hockey Championship is not only a junior hockey tradition in Canada, but has been a launching pad of many professional hockey careers. We look forward to submitting an outstanding bid that will create an environment for the players to compete at their best.”

Ken King, President and CEO of the Calgary Flames noted, "With over $9 million in proceeds reported from the 2006 tournament, our goal will be to provide Hockey Canada with an event that can potentially exceed this number, with approximately 500,000 tickets for sale, and a great environment for sponsorship and community support.”

Both The City of Edmonton and The City of Calgary are supportive of the bid to co-host the 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and the accompanying benefits of this

For further information please visit the bid website www.alberta2012.ca or contact: