WINNIPEG – The 2007 IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championship has broken another record.
Hockey Canada and the Host Organizing Committee announced on Tuesday that the 2007 event, which was held in Winnipeg and Selkirk, MB from April 3-10 and was the most well-attended IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championship ever, has set a new record for profit. The tournament has pulled in a profit of $751,706, money which will be shared by Hockey Manitoba and Hockey Canada, along with Hockey Canada’s other 12 Branches from coast to coast.
“We’re proud today to announce this profit because of the impact it will have on female hockey in Canada,” says Bob Nicholson, president of Hockey Canada. “Winnipeg did an outstanding job playing host to the 2007 IIHF World Women’s Championship. And now all of our 13 Branches will benefit from the success of the event.”
Hockey Manitoba will use the money to support female hockey development, while Hockey Canada’s profit will go to female hockey development and National Women’s Team programs.
The 2004 IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championship in Halifax pulled in approximately $560,000, which was the best total prior to 2007.
FINANCIAL DETAILS ON 2007 IIHF WORLD WOMEN’S HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP
Profit: $751,766
Hockey Canada share: $563,824.50, of which approximately $15,500 will be provided to each of Hockey Canada’s other 12 Branches
Hockey Manitoba share: $187,941.50
It was also announced that the 2007 IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championship had an estimated economic impact of more than $12 million on Manitoba. That number comes from a study put together by Destination Winnipeg, which utilized the Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM). The study also concluded a taxation revenue estimated at $1.3 million, which is to be shared by all levels of government.
“We want to thank all of the hockey fans who attended and supported the tournament,” says Polly Craik, host chair of the 2007 IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championship. “We also want to acknowledge the countless volunteers who added to this event. The fans and the volunteers, along with the great corporate support, are among the main reasons for our success.”
“Hockey Manitoba is very proud to be associated with the calibre of people associated with the event led by Polly Craik,” commented Brian Franklin, president of Hockey Manitoba. “The profits from this event will provide a long-term legacy for continued development of the female game in our province.”
The 2007 tournament marked the fifth time that Canada has played host to the IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championship. Other cities that have held the event are Halifax (2004), Mississauga (2000), Kitchener (1997) and Ottawa (1990).