World Junior A’s receives $100,000 boost from M.D.

The M.D. of Bonnyville approved a $100,000 funding request from the World Junior A Challenge on Wednesday morning in council that will alleviate the costs of hosting the big tournament . The funding matches the amount that the Town of Bonnyville is putting towards the event, with $75,000 supporting the community and $25,000 for the rental of the C2 for the games.

Bonnyville is no stranger to this tournament as they hosted the World Junior A’s back in 2016 to rave reviews. It was a no-brainer for council to approve funding since they anticipate national and international exposure for the area this coming winter.

“Building off the previous experience with the tournament it was well received by the community,” said Bonnyville M.D. Reeve, Greg Sawchuk.

“Sell-out crowds, the chance to put our area on the world stage, television coverage…it was just a great event all around. We had a ton of volunteers, and we look forward to participating in it again.”

The tournament will take place from December 9-15. Head Coach of the Bonnyville Pontiacs, Rick Swan, was part of Canada West’s coaching staff as an assistant when they won gold in Truro, N.S. last year.