There is a very strong fanbase for the Huskies women's hockey program in Saskatoon, and it starts with the families, friends, and alumni of the program. The Huskies always get great crowds for games thanks to the their efforts in keeping parents and alumni close to the program where they can help market the team throughout Saskatoon. It shouldn't be a surprise that Saskatoon was on U SPORTS' radar as a host, but it takes more than a good fanbase to bring the tournament to town.
The only big benefit that the University of Saskatchewan can boast is the state-of-the-art Merlis Belsher Place. The 2700-seat rink feels much bigger when one walks in, and the great acoustics in the building make the sounds of the game - cheering, players hollering at one another, the goal horn - sound that much louder. With no seats having obstructions, every seat in the building is perfect for watching the game, and the concourse's view of the ice means that people standing in line for food or who may prefer to stand to watch hockey won't miss out either.
As per the release, "[t]he Huskies and Warriors will use the theme 'See Them, Be Them' for both the 2024 and 2025 championships. The championships will showcase female role models in the community with a focus on the empowerment of girls and women in sport." I'm not saying this theme is a bad idea by any means, but I can honestly say that the Huskies already embrace this idea with their alumni being well-represented in and around the city, but if they're taking this to a new level that won't hurt either. The Huskies have seen a ton of great hockey players come through their program, but these women were all quality people who are now leading companies and organizations as well.
In short, having the 2024 U SPORTS National Women's Hockey Championship in Saskatoon seems like a no-brainer, and I'm excited to see what the University of Saskatchewan has in-store in March 2024!
"Huskie Athletics is honoured to be awarded the 2024 U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship," Shannon Chinn, Chief Athletics Officer at the University of Saskatchewan, said of the announcement. "There is an incredible women's hockey community here in Saskatoon and we intend to integrate them into the entire experience. Our Huskie women's hockey program has had tremendous success under the leadership of Head Coach Steve Kook, who just coached his 400th Canada West hockey game. We are excited to welcome teams from across Canada to our city and our campus, and to highlight the extraordinary talents of our athletes. Our state-of-the-art arena will provide the perfect atmosphere for the student-athletes, fans and for everyone watching across the country."
I shall declare, here and now, that I will be going to the 2024 U SPORTS National Women's Hockey Championship next March. I won't be there with a team nor will I be doing radio calls of games, but I will take The Hockey Show out to Saskatoon for a show at the National Championship. I do plan on volunteering at the event, though, so that's my main reason for going - I want to be part of this amazing event that the Huskies will host!
I've bene to a U SPORTS National Women's Hockey Championship in London, Ontario. I've been to a second one in Charlottetown, PEI. I'm going to make it a hat trick of U SPORTS National Women's Hockey Championships in 2024 with a trip out to Saskatoon. Anyone up for a road trip?
Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!
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