Earlier this year, Cochrane was selected to be the host community for the 2019 Dudley-Hewitt Cup Central Canadian Jr. A Championship.
Deborah Morin
Published on: October 30, 2018 | Last Updated: October 30, 2018 8:12 AM EDT
At the time of notification the NOJHL report included a statement from Peter Politis.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to not only showcase our progressive community and region, along with the greatest way of life in the best backyard on the planet, we’re also excited to showcase central Canadian Junior A hockey at it’s highest calibre,” he said.
The tournament will be held at the Tim Horton Events Centre April 30-May 5, 2019.
Sue Parton, is Chairperson of the 2019 Dudley-Hewitt Cup, Cochrane Host Organizing Committee.
She presented an update at the recent Board of Trade Annual General Meeting.
She said that the Dudley-Hewitt Cup was a prestigious championship ice hockey trophy.
“This is the Junior A hockey tournament to determine the champion for the Central Canada Hockey League.” she noted. It is just one step away for the champion of the Junior A hockey in Canada.
She told those in attendance that this tournament is a big deal to be held in Cochrane.
There will be four Junior A hockey teams that will be participating in the tournament. The Cochrane Crunch is guaranteed to play as the host team. The tournament runs for five days with games throughout those days.
“It is a week long, action packed great week of hockey in our town,” said Parton. “To have Cochrane host the tournament, a proposal, a budget and a bid had to be presented. The community beat out Timmins based on some unique experiences that this community can offer.”
The committee is made up of a partnership between the Town of Cochrane and the Cochrane Crunch who share the expenses and profits on a 50/50 basis.
“The tournament will be a very good opportunity to showcase the town, but also an economic opportunity for us,” said Parton.
She went on to note that they anticipate at least 90 players and coaching staff as well as player parents coming to the games. There will be officials and out of town spectators who will also be in the community during the week.
“Such an influx of people offers community establishments an opportunity to capitalize on this,” added Parton.
There will be an impact to the town of Cochrane she stated. Hotels, restaurants, caterers, the THEC canteen and Bears Den will all benefit from the event.
She said they hope to have vendors in the parking lot at the arena and there would be opportunities for printing programs, and providing promotional item sales.
She continued by adding that there is a medical team coming on board to be available during the tournament.
The committee wants to provide a package to tournament participants that list attractions, activities and things to do.
“There is an opportunity to identify yourself with the tournament that could possibly attract patrons,” she said. “Sponsorships are required to support this tournament to ensure we put on a high-quality, 5-star experience for all participants and attendees.”
Businesses could identify themselves with the tournament by putting up support signs for the DHC tournament and/or the Cochrane Crunch such as “Go Crunch Go” or “Welcome Dudley-Hewitt visitors” displayed in windows throughout the community.
Parton added that a Facebook page and website for the tournament will be up and running very shortly that will provide regular updates.
Tournament passes will go on sale Nov. 1 check the Cochrane Crunch Facebook page for more information.
The committee is looking for volunteers to assist during planning this winter, as well as volunteers to assist during the tournament.
If you have any ideas or suggestions regarding the tournament or if you would like more information, please contact the Committee at dhcup2019@gmail.com or Sue Parton, Chairperson at 705-272-6295.