2011 World Junior Hockey Championship
28/10/2008 05:06
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The 2011 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships will be held along the shores of Lake Erie, USA Hockey announced Monday.
The 10-day tournament is the premier international event for the best male players under the age of 20. Ten different countries will be represented, and 31 games will take place over 10 days starting on Dec. 26, 2010.
"This is a city with a reputation of a hockey town, and a franchise that has a reputation of being very good in the community," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "We believe this will be the most successful World Championship held in the United States."
The Buffalo Sabres sponsored the bid on behalf of the city, which was immediately considered a favourite because of its proximity to hockey-mad Canada - particularly Toronto, just 90 minutes away. Buffalo is also among the NHL's strongest markets and successfully hosted the NCAA Frozen Four tournament in 2003.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Sabres owner Thomas Golisano attended a Monday afternoon news conference for the announcement.
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SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
I am confident Buffalo will do a great job hosting this tourney.