(Blackfalds Bulldogs)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

national jr. a championship

Blackfalds Bulldogs to bid for Centennial Cup

Jan 12, 2023 | 11:15 AM

The Blackfalds Bulldogs are putting in a bid to host either the 2024 or 2025 Centennial Cup, Canada’s Junior A hockey championship.

Hockey Canada will be making an announcement on both by March.

The Centennial Cup, which dates back to 1971, features the nine champion teams from each of the country’s Junior A leagues, as well as the host team. It all culminates with an 11-day tournament in May.

“Central Alberta has a rich history of hosting large events. The Bulldogs franchise was built with the ambition of hosting these large-scale experiences,” says Trevor Thomas, Director of Showcase and Centennial Cup Operations.

“Our ownership is committed to bringing these events to the people of Blackfalds and central Alberta. The Eagle Builders Centre is the perfect facility to host these type of events as was evident during the 2022 Alberta Junior Hockey League Showcase.”

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

Apr 04, 2026

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

Thomas told Blackfalds town council this week it is also hoping to repeat as host of the 2023 AJHL Showcase, with a decision on that still to come from the league.

As for the Centennial Cup, however, Thomas and the Bulldogs estimate it will bring in $5 million of economic benefit.

“The Centennial Cup is more than just a hockey tournament. It is an arts and cultural event as well that has wide appeal for our citizens,” he says. “The community impact is just as important as it would bring civic pride and spirit welcoming visitors from all over the country. The reputational impact is also key paving the way for other large-scale events to come to the town.”

Budget for hosting would be about $800,000 to break even, he shares. There would also be need for approximately 500 volunteers.

Town council agreed this week to provide a letter of support towards the Bulldogs’ bid.

In an administrative report, it’s said that in order to host the event, some changes will have to be made to the ice which will require funds for supplies. Staffing will also have to be redirected from outdoor parks and facilities work to focus on this event. There would be a loss of revenue from dry floor rentals as both ice surfaces would be required for the event, the report says.

The final game of the Centennial Cup is broadcast on TSN.

This year, the tournament takes place in Portage la Prairie, MB, from May 11-21. That community was supposed to host in 2020.

Last year’s winners were the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL, after it had been cancelled for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Penticton, B.C. was supposed to host in 2021. The last time it was in Alberta was in 2019 when Brooks hosted and won.