Fort McMurray, AB (November 9, 2016) – Before the puck drops on the World Junior A Challenge (WJAC) in Bonnyville next month, the Fort McMurray Oil Barons will host the Czech Republic WJAC select team in a pre-tournament game at the Casman Centre on Friday, December 9.
“We're ecstatic to partner with Hockey Canada and Coldwell Banker Fort McMurray to welcome some of the top junior-aged players from the Czech Republic to Fort McMurray,” said Northern Alberta Athletic Association (NAAA) and Oil Barons President David Fitzgerald.
“Our region has been through a lot this year, so the opportunity to give folks a chance to come to the rink and catch some hockey on an international stage is something we're truly honoured to do,” said Fitzgerald.
“On behalf of the entire NAAA, I'd like to thank Hockey Canada and the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) for giving our community this tremendous opportunity.”
Oil Barons Head Coach and General Manager Tom Keca echoed similar words.
“As a coaching staff, we're extremely excited to welcome the Czech Republic WJAC team to Fort McMurray and give our players some playing experience on an international level,” said Keca.
“We're also excited to represent Hockey Canada as a host community, show the Czech Republic WJAC team some Northern Alberta hospitality, and put on a great game for our loyal fans,” added Keca.
Tickets will officially go on sale Thursday morning at 9 a.m. Season ticket holders will have until Sunday, November 20 at 4 p.m. to purchase their seats for the game. After November 20, all unsold season seats will be released to the public.
Tickets can be purchased online or by visiting or calling the Casman Centre box office at 780-743-5509.
The 2016 World Junior A Challenge will take place from December 11-17 at the R.J. Lalonde Arena in Bonnyville. The tournament features two Canadian and four international teams, with more than 260 NHL draft picks participating in the tournament since the first event in 2006.
For more information on the 2016 World Junior A Challenge including tickets, visit HockeyCanada.ca or bonnyvillepontiacs.ca. Fans can also follow the tournament on social media, including Facebook and Twitter.
For more information, please contact:
Jordan Fitzgerald, Director of Communications
Phone: (403) 969-0104
Email: jordanfitzgerald90@gmail.com
Photographer: Dan Lines