Posted: Feb 25, 2010
Courtesy Corey LeBlanc, The Casket
It takes a winning team off the ice to make a national tournament successful, which is what StFX University and Antigonish has as they prepare to host the 2010 CIS Women’s Ice Hockey Championship at the Keating Centre.
Much like the work involved in putting a championship team on the ice, preparation is key to staging a successful tournament.
“Everything is going really well. It becomes a little easier logistically when you are doing it for the second year in a row,” tournament convener Krista McKenna said.
StFX is hosting the tournament for the third time in five years.
“Without the support of our sponsors and the entire community, of course, we would not be able to host this type of event,” McKenna said.
The national women’s hockey showcase will take place from March 11 to 14.
Virtually the moment after the McGill Martlets skated off the Keating Centre ice with the CIS title last March, preparations started on the 2010 edition of the women’s hockey showcase.
“Our committee has been meeting a lot. We have a tremendous amount of dedicated people,” McKenna said.
The core organizing committee includes athletic department members, other StFX staff and people from the broader community.
“We are probably going to have more than 100 volunteers,” McKenna said.
One of the focuses in the next couple of weeks will be putting the finishing touches on that line-up of volunteers.
There are a variety of different jobs required, including anything from room monitors, promotions table staff, sports information and hospitality personnel.
“Of course, it would not be possible without the volunteers. Everyone last year went above and beyond and people noticed that.
“Also, I think it is an unforgettable experience for them as well. It is a way they can help with the event, but still enjoy everything,” she added.
McKenna said volunteer co-ordinator Shirlyn Aker will host an information session for anyone interested in volunteering Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in Keating Centre Conference Room A.
For more information, contact Shirlyn Aker at 863-0316 or shirlyn.aker@srsb.ca
Although the focus is the action on the ice, McKenna said the organizing committee continues to concentrate on creating a total experience for visitors.
One example of that commitment is the Bud Light Ice Patch, which will provide fans with an opportunity to enjoy a beverage while watching the game from the Keating Centre conference rooms. After the action ends on the ice, there will be live entertainment nightly.
“It is about adding to the event. It is more than just hockey even though the players and the games are the focal point,” McKenna said.
With the Ice Patch, admission is free with a ticket stub from that day’s action. With a focus on the fan experience, the CIS tournament will be interactive, including access to the StFX X-Women. Local female minor hockey players will participate in a skills clinic during the event, while the X-Women and X-Men players will participate in an open skate with the community.
Leading up to the CIS celebration, the StFX athletics department and the X-Women will again host its Breakfast of Champions, which was highly successful last year as an unofficial launch of the tournament in Antigonish. Girls from local schools enjoyed a morning of fun with the X-Women, including a nutritious breakfast and a tour of the team’s locker room.
“That was an amazing day. Everyone had a great time,” McKenna said.
Athletic department staff members and organizing committee members Katie Arbuckle and Richie Connors are working on a variety of events for fans.
“We want it to be interactive and to really have the fans involved,” Arbuckle said, noting a variety of activities in the hospitality rooms and Ice Patch.
“People are still talking about the first time we hosted the event,” organizing committee member Greg Hull said about a recent trip to Calgary.
Hull, a veteran girls’ hockey coach locally, said the entire experience also benefits the Antigonish community, including female hockey players that get to see such high calibre action up close.
“They get to see the passion these players have for the game. It is a tremendous time for them,” he added, noting minor hockey girls’ players also volunteer during the weekend.
Although there has been some tweaking, McKenna said organizers did not want to change a winning formula too much.
“After last year, we had so much great feedback, particularly from the other teams and their supporters.
“They could not believe how well they were treated and the level of hospitality here in Antigonish,” McKenna added.
McKenna said the fan support also carries to the ice, particularly for the hometown X-Women.
“The players appreciate the support so much. It gives them a tremendous boost.”
For ticket information, contact the Keating Centre Box Office at 867-3304 or drop by from 6 a.m. to midnight. Tournament passes are now on sale and include entrance for all nine games.
Complete tournament information is available at www.goxgo.ca.