ESTEVAN - The Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, proved to be a great event for Estevan, and the organizing committee is thrilled with the response from Estevan area residents.
Cory Prokop, who was one of five tournament co-chairs, was thrilled with the tournament. There were things that needed to be addressed in the initial days, but things went smoothly the rest of the week.
“The 11 days couldn’t have gone smoother and I know Hockey Canada’s happy. Many of the fans that I talked to from across the country over the last number of days are happy and thanking us for hosting such a great event.”
Prokop noted the people he has talked to are pleased with the 10-team format. He watched some fantastic games during the week.
“The crowds have still been pretty good. Yesterday for the semifinals, I was very impressed with how many people showed up and came and cheered on the teams that were here and still competing.
“I think everyone in the community and all of the fans who came from across the country to watch hockey this week have been really treated to some great hockey.”
There was a good contingent of fans from Brooks and Dauphin, Man., but the loudest group was undoubtedly with the Flin Flon Bombers, who qualified for the tournament as the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League representatives after losing the SJHL final to the Estevan Bruins.
So many people have told Prokop how great Estevan has been as a host for this event, with the hospitality from hotels and restaurants, and the efforts of the local business community.
“The volunteers that we had here in our yellow t-shirts all week long were treating people amazingly. People were just so happy with the hospitality that we’ve shown.”
Prokop expects the tournament will have an economic spinoff of $5 million to $6 million. They might not ever know an exact number, but Hockey Canada has a formula they use, factoring in the number of teams and the duration of the event.
The success of the Centennial Cup has also laid the groundwork for future events with Hockey Canada.
“I think Hockey Canada has now seen, first-hand, what our community is capable of,” said Prokop.
Mayor Roy Ludwig, who was also an event co-chair, praised Hockey Canada, the city staff, event volunteers and organizing committee for their work to make the tournament a success.
“Everyone is working so hard together, it’s been great to be a part of that. It’s been quite amazing, actually,” said Ludwig.
The local business community is thrilled with the tournament after two years of challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Next year’s tournament will be held in Portage la Prairie, Man. Portage was supposed to host the tournament in 2020, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19. Prokop noted Portage was pleased with what they saw from Estevan.
“We’ve set the bar pretty high now for them and any other future host committee,” Prokop said.
Other event co-chairs were Greg Hoffort, city manager Jeff Ward and Estevan Bruins’ president Josh Biggs. There was also an organizing committee for the tournament.
