The Telus Cup West Regional Championship tournament is just around the corner, and tickets for the event are now on sale.
The Warman U18AAA Wildcats are hosting the top teams from northern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan at the Warman Home Centre Communiplex April 6-9. The winner of the tournament will advance to the U18AAA Telus Cup in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec.
Hockey fans can scan the QR code in this article to get their tickets.
The Warman Telus West Bid Committee has been planning the event since last spring, when the Wildcats were narrowly beaten in the provincial championship series by Notre Dame.
There is a celebration of Indigenous culture interwoven throughout the whole tournament. Friday, April 7 has been designated Indigenous Day, when NHL hockey legend Reggie Leach will be in attendance. That day will see the National Anthem performed in Cree; by singer-drummer Mark Okicitawat the 5:00 game; and by singer Falynn Baptiste at the 7:00 game.
The tournament kicks off Thursday, April 6 at 5 p.m. with a game between the second Saskatchewan team and the Northern Ontario champion. The opening ceremonies take place at the 8 p.m. game between the host Warman Wildcats and the Manitoba champion.
The tournament banquet featuring guest speaker Carlin Nordstrom is scheduled for Saturday, April 8. There are also two games that afternoon. The final championship game and closing ceremonies are slated for Sunday, April 9.
Ticket packages start at $65 for all seven games. There are also VIP Premium packages and individual game tickets available. Purchasers of a Premium VIP package will have an exclusive opportunity to meet and greet Reggie Leach.
The Warman organizing committee’s bid has the backing of the Saskatoon Tribal Council and its Community Development Corporation, as well as the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. Morley Watson, former FSIN Executive member and Milton Tootoosis, well-known First Nations Hockey promoter, both serve as First Nation and Indigenous Liaison on the organizing committee.