The organizers of the Memorial Cup received federal funding to cover the cost of wifi and press box upgrades at TD Station, the new ball hockey rink next door and other improvements.
Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long made an announcement of $ 1 million in funding at Market Square on Friday morning.
Long said the funding is new and the result of a funding request made about six months ago to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
“This investment, this tournament will have economic spinoffs that will be profound for the region. It’s a bit of a reawakening for the region. It’s a way for us to celebrate and come out of the COVID era,” Long said.
Long said this will show the country and the world that Saint John can host national events.
“The nation’s sporting eyes will be on Saint John, New Brunswick, the nation’s sporting eyes will be on TD Station and most importantly, they will be on the Saint John Sea Dogs as we try to win our second Memorial Cup,” Long said.
Long noted the Saint John Sea Dogs made it to the Memorial Cup four times in their 17-year history whereas some CHL teams have never won their league championship.
The funding will also support marketing, promotional and Fanfest activities like the concert series.
Mark-Anthony Ashfield is the chair of the Saint John host committee for the Memorial Cup.
“The opportunity to host the Memorial Cup in Saint John is a special occasion that rarely presents itself. When we submitted our bid to host this event, our vision was to stage an event that would showcase the region on a national scale and leave a lasting, positive impact that will be remembered for years to come,” Ashfield said.
Another news event surrounding the Memorial Cup is happening soon. pic.twitter.com/C1gs8tJVLF
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) June 17, 2022
