SASKATOON, Sask. – Canada’s National Women’s Team will leverage the home-crowd advantage when it takes on Finland, Sweden, and the United States at the 2018 4 Nations Cup in Saskatoon, Sask., Nov. 6-10.
Hockey Canada, Saskatoon Sports Tourism, and the SaskTel Centre have partnered to host the annual international tournament that provides the four participating nations an opportunity to test their mettle before competing at the IIHF Women’s World Championship the following spring.
“Saskatoon is proud and excited to be hosting the world’s top women’s hockey teams in the homeland of Olympic-medallist Emily Clark, who has stood strong on the shoulders of an entire community bursting with pride over her achievements,” said Stephanie Clovechok, the managing director of Saskatoon Sports Tourism. “We are proof that behind every successful athlete, there are parents, coaches, friends, volunteers, and a strong, supportive community. Saskatoon has a passion for people and hosting events, with facilities designed to support meaningful interaction and inspired success. We can’t wait to watch these talented athletes on our home ice as we welcome the 4 Nations Cup to Saskatoon this November.”
Until Sweden’s addition in 2000, the annual tournament was known as the 3 Nations Cup. In 22 years, Canada has won 18 gold and four silver medals at the event. This will be the eighth time it is hosted on Canadian ice.
“Fresh off of one of the most exciting Olympic hockey games in history, we are so lucky to get to watch these four teams go to battle again,” said E.J. Babey, chair of the local host committee for the 2018 4 Nations Cup. “Led by these top teams worldwide, women’s hockey continues to grow, both in participation and spectator numbers. As we have seen for many years now, these women play a fast, aggressive, and exciting game of hockey. This is the type of hockey that fans from around the world want to watch. There is no doubt that Saskatoon and our entire province will be energized and ready to do an outstanding job hosting these phenomenal athletes. On behalf of the host committee, I can’t wait to welcome you all to Saskatoon in November for the 4 Nations Cup.”
The five-day schedule features eight games, including preliminary-round match-ups that see all four participating teams face each other once, as well as the bronze- and gold-medal games. All games of the 4 Nations Cup – a traditional family-favourite – will take place at the SaskTel Centre.
Fans looking to secure the best seats for all eight games can do so for an early-bird price of $127 (including taxes and fees) beginning Friday, May 11 at 10 a.m. through www.hockeycanada.ca/tickets or by phone (306.938.7800 or 800.970.7328).
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitter.com/HC_Women.