North Bay satellite city for World Junior Hockey Championship?

North Bay has a chance to gain worldwide attention after a decision last night to put in a bid to become one of nine satellite cities for the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championship.

“This is so exciting. The city won Hockeyville 2007 and now we have another chance to get on the hockey map,” Councillor Mike Anthony said.

The 2009 Junior World Championship will be held in Ottawa.

The Host Organizing Committee (HOC) officially invited a proposal form North Bay and other communities in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec to participate in a pre-competition camp, which includes an exhibition game.

“I can’t give anything away, but we will look at placing events in the community that will draw the hockey players into the city and give them a great experience,” Anthony said.

Anthony said there is no initial cost to put in a bid, but if accepted the city would have to front $30,000 plus any other incidentals.

“The total amount should be less than $50,000,” he said.
“We anticipate that through fundraising, ticket sales (etc.) that we will break even or achieve a small surplus of perhaps five to seven thousand dollars that would be put back into minor sports here in the city.”

All members of council looked excited by the opportunity and voted unanimously that a bid should be sent before the deadline of October 31.