By Sheldon Spackman

postponed

Red Deer forced to wait another year for economic boost from World Juniors

Sep 18, 2020 | 4:51 PM

Local businesses are lamenting the fact they won’t see a much needed boost this winter from the World Junior Hockey Championship.

On Thursday, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced the 2021 World Juniors will be played in an Edmonton-only bubble with no spectators.

Red Deer was originally slated to co-host the tournament starting on Boxing Day. Instead, the two cities will co-host the 2022 World Juniors, with plans to have fans in attendance.

Reg Warkentin, Policy and Government Relations Manager with the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce, says the financial loss to our economy is substantial.

“We had a study done for the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR), and I think our best bet would be that it would be quite similar,” he suggests. “For the six-day event, the study estimated about $37 million in economic impact to the region. It’s quite reasonable to expect similar with the World Juniors with all the different athletes travelling internationally and fans coming from far and wide to watch these games.”

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With Red Deer’s central location in Alberta, Warkentin says these types of events are essential to the local hotel and accommodations sector.

“Tourism in general is way down,” he points out. “Our hotels are having a really rough go at it with the cancellation of conferences and events, and obviously the sports tourism side of things, so it is a big blow. It’s great that we can look forward to it in 2022, but we have a long haul ahead to get there.”

Another issue with losing such a prestigious event like this, adds Warkentin, is the loss of a major morale boost for the community.

“An event like the World Juniors gives a purpose for the people of Red Deer to come together and celebrate and cheer on their team,” he explains. “So as important as the economic impact is, it’s equally as difficult to lose this type of event for the morale and boost it brings to the spirits of the people of Red Deer.”

All ticket packages purchased for the 2021 World Juniors in Edmonton and Red Deer will remain valid for the 2022 World Juniors, ensuring another sold out event.

Ticket holders will have their packages (including the same seats) automatically transferred to the 2022 event at no incremental cost.

All ticket holders will receive an update regarding their ticket options via email from Hockey Canada.

Those who cannot attend the 2022 World Juniors will be given an option for a full refund.