FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2011

Halifax, NS – Yarmouth, Nova Scotia has been officially awarded the 2012 World Junior A Challenge by Hockey Canada. The event will take place November 5-11, 2012 at the Mariners Centre. The Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners Hockey Club will work with the Canadian Junior Hockey League, Maritime Hockey League, Town of Yarmouth, Municipality of Yarmouth, Municipality of Argyle, Yarmouth Minor Hockey Association, Hockey Nova Scotia and Events Nova Scotia to host the international event.

“This is the culmination of a lot of hard work on behalf of our team and our community and I want to thank everyone who has helped us in this effort,” said Mitch Bonnar, president of the Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners. “But, this is only the beginning. We look forward to putting our best foot forward and to hosting a World Junior A Challenge the way only this community can. ”

“Our community is not only proud to be hosting this prestigious event, but we are also looking forward to sharing our culture and our way of life with all the participants and visitors to our region,” said Phil Mooney, mayor of the Town of Yarmouth.

“Canada’s Junior A leagues continue to develop world-class players, and the 2012 World Junior A Challenge will be a terrific showcase for that talent,” said Bob Nicholson, president and CEO of Hockey Canada. “We are excited to work with the Canadian Junior Hockey League, Yarmouth Jr A Mariners Hockey Club and numerous local groups on another World Junior A Challenge and continue the growth of the event.”

The 2012 World Junior A Challenge will follow the same format as previous years – two Canadian entries will be joined by four international teams, with two groups of three teams. The group winners will receive an automatic bye to the semifinals, while the second and third place teams will crossover for the quarter-finals. Over 800 players, coaches, Hockey Canada staff, media, scouts, Canadian Junior Hockey League officials, friends and family will descend upon the region during the event.
 

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For more information:

Wayne Hamilton                         
(902) 740-0035                             
whamilton@tri-star.ca   

Mayor Phil Mooney
Town of Yarmouth   
(902) 742-2521
mayor.mooney@townofyarmouth.ca

Riley Wiwchar
Hockey Canada   
(403) 777-3614
rwiwchar@hockeycanada.ca