Thursday, December 5, 2002

The American Hockey League and the Canadian Hockey Association have announced an agreement to promote the 2003 World Junior Championships at upcoming AHL games in Saint John, N.B., and St. John's, Nfld.

World Junior Championship Night will be held on December 10 at Mile One Stadium as the St. John's Maple Leafs host the Hamilton Bulldogs, and on December 13 at Harbour Station when the Saint John Flames host the Albany River Rats. AHL players who have represented Canada at past tournaments will be recognized prior to both games.

Canadian Hockey Association members will be offered special discounts on tickets to both games. Additionally, all fans at both World Junior Championship Nights will have a chance to win tickets to each of the 10 WJC preliminary-round matches to be played in Halifax, N.S., from Dec. 26-31, 2002.

"There is a long list of AHL players who have represented their country at the World Junior Championships through the years," said Chris Nikolis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the AHL. "This is an ideal way to recognize some of those players while strengthening the partnership between the American Hockey League and the Canadian Hockey Association."

"This is the start of a great partnership," said Scott Smith, Vice President of Business Operations for the CHA. "The promotion provides a unique opportunity for American Hockey League fans to see future AHL players take part in the World Juniors."

The annual World Junior Championships feature the top junior-age players representing 10 countries in a two-week tournament. More than 60 current AHL players and coaches have played for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships, including Blair Betts, Brad Boyes, Jarret Stoll, Jason Spezza, Rico Fata, Jason Botterill and John Slaney.

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