BROOKS, AB (September 9, 2021) – The Brooks Bandits are thrilled to announce the 2019 National Junior A Championship held in Brooks was one of the most successful in event history with a surplus of $365,000.
Each of the five teams who participated received $5,000, leaving a $340,000 legacy fund to be dispersed locally in Brooks and the surrounding region.
“It is with great pride that we finally announce the surplus of the 2019 Nationals staged in Brooks,” said host committee co-chair Paul Seaton, who also serves as the president of the Brooks Bandits.
“On all counts the nine days of the event were astonishing. The community is to be thanked. Its participation extended well beyond attending the games and was a significant contributory factor.”
Held from May 11-19, 2019 at the Centennial Regional Arena, the National Championship saw the biggest event of its kind in the history of Brooks and the County of Newell. It is believed that the local economic impact of the event exceeded the anticipated three and a half million dollars.
“Leaving a legacy in our host communities is a top priority” stated Hockey Canada Vice-President Events and Properties, Dean McIntosh “The lasting experiential legacy of watching the Bandits win a National Title on home ice was an incredible experience for Brooks. However, the long-term financial legacy that will see over $300,000 be re-invested back into community hockey infrastructure, minor hockey, scholarship programs and future event hosting is an incredible story and one that will benefit the Brooks hockey community for years to come.”
The eight-day tournament saw the host Brooks Bandits go undefeated in all six of their games. It culminated with them winning the National Championship, it’s second in team history, thanks to a 4-3 triumph over the Prince George Spruce Kings with more than 2,500 fans in attendance and nationally broadcast live on TSN.
“Our community has always pushed the boundaries of support for our team and no more evident than May of 2019. We had a fantastic team, but we were truly dominant at home in Brooks. An immense amount credit goes to our billets, fans, advertisers and volunteers. I am proud to say the on ice performance of our players held up to the high expectations of this long awaited event,” said General Manager and Head Coach Ryan Papaioannou.
“The hockey aside, with care that no alternative activities conflicted with games, our two Councils and local businesses together with the area residents created a most commendable carnival celebration atmosphere,” added Seaton.
“The corps of volunteers that managed the event was outstanding. We thank Hockey Canada for entrustment and look forward to working with them in the future,” added Seaton.
Hockey Canada has stated that the 2019 National Junior A Championship was the most successful on record. The surplus announcement was delayed under the guidance of Hockey Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bandits are excited to announce the funds going to local minor hockey will be donated September 17th during the 1st intermission of their Regular Season Home Opener.
All minor hockey teams and families are invited to the game. Puck drop is 7:00 pm vs the Blackfalds Bulldogs, and tickets are available at tickets.brooksbandits.ca.