The Charlottetown APM Abbies have been notified that they will be the hosts of the 2003 Royal Bank Cup, the Canadian National Junior A Championships, in May 2003.
"This National Championship is what all junior hockey teams strive for," says Abbies coach Gordie Whitlock. "We feel very fortunate to host the event in Charlottetown, and it will certainly be great exposure for our hockey players and will give them a real goal to work toward," says Mr. Whitlock.
"Preparing this proposal for the CHA was a real team effort," says Wayne MacDougall Committee Chair. "From the Abbies organization to community volunteers to the support of the City of Charlottetown and Mayor George MacDonald, Premier Pat Binns and the Province of Prince Edward Island and Federal MP for Hillsborough, Shawn Murphy, everyone came together."
The Royal Bank Cup, which will be held over 7 days, will feature the best tier 2 hockey players in Canada. The event is expected to sell out. Hockey players and fans will be treated to an excellent event. Prince Edward Island has fared out well in previous Royal Bank Cups with the Charlottetown Abbies finishing runner-up in 1999 and with the Summerside Western Capitals hosting and winning the tournament in 1997.
"The Royal Bank Cup has been a springboard for many great Junior A players such as Scott Gomez, now competing in the Stanley Cup finals with the New Jersey Devils," noted Wayne MacDougall.
"Prince Edward Island has built a reputation for hosting very successful regional and national events that profile our athletes, our volunteers, our Island and our wonderful hospitality," states Premier Binns. "Many athletes are expected to be travelling with family members to the event, and the direct economic benefits to the province will be significant," concludes Premier Binns.