TIMMINS

While it has a population of just over 47,000, Timmins is one of the largest communities in Canada in area size, covering 1,224 square miles. With the nickname “City with a Heart of Gold” it is only fitting that the main industry in Timmins is mining, with nine mines currently operating in the city’s vicinity (Goldcorp, Xstrata and Lakeshore). Timmins has produced more than 50 NHLers, and has hosted the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge previously in 2000.

McIntyre Community Centre

The Mac will play host to the majority of the tournament’s games, including the nationally-televised gold medal game on Jan. 5. Built in 1938 to mirror Maple Leaf Gardens, the building is still used by residents of the community. The arena will serve a number of purposes during the tournament, including housing all team meals in the main ballroom. Local legend Tixie Hannigan will be at Hannigan’s Skate Shop in the main concourse to take care of any skate sharpening or equipment repairs.

COCHRANE

The Town of Cochrane is located 110 kilomteres from Timmins (approximately an hour). Visitors to the town of 5,400 will be greeted upon their arrival by Chimo, the giant polar bear that stands at the entrance to town. Polar bears a common theme in Cochrane, which hosts a Polar Bear Habitat, home to Nanook and Bisitek, located off of Highway 11 North. In the winter, snowmobilers enjoy a 700-kilometre trail designed for novice and expert riders.

Tim Horton Event Centre

Named after the former NHL all-star and donut-shop founder, a Cochrane native, the multi-use facility includes an NHL-sized rink with a seating capacity of 500. Gerald Roy will be available for equipment repairs and skate sharpening at (705) 272-5189.

IROQUOIS FALLS

A bilingual community of 4,800, Iroquois Falls is the closet community to Timmins, located 80 kilometres northeast (approximately 45 minutes). A proud community, with a friendly atmosphere, Iroquois Falls is home to the Abitibi Bowater, as well as three hydro electrical dams. The town hosted the Dudley Hewitt Cup, central Canada’s regional Junior A championship, in 2007.

Jus Jordan Arena

The Igloo, home of the NOJHL’s Abitibi Eskimos, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, and yet is still the largest arena in northeastern Ontario, seating 1,600 fans. Skate sharpening and equipment repairs will be available at the arena.

KAPUSKASING

The Town of Kapuskasing is located 158 kilometeres from Timmins (approximately two hours). Kapuskasing is an urban centre with a small town flavor – residents take pride in their community and the downtown core is filled with numerous boutiques and shops.

Kapuskasing Sports Palace

All games in Kapuskasing will take place at the home to the Kapuskasing Flyers of the Great North Midget League.

KIRKLAND LAKE

Located 140 kilometres from Timmins (approximately 90 minutes), Kirkland Lake is located in the heart of Northeastern Ontario. This friendly community boasts a population of more than 9,000, and has seen its roots grow since the early days of a gold mining camp. It has the distinction of being the home of Hockey Heritage North, an 1,800-square-foot facility that showcases the history of Canada’s game in the north, and the impact of the region on professional hockey.

Joe Mavrinac Community Complex

The complex includes an NHL-sized rink, squash courts, an aerobic room, weight room, and swimming pool. Robin Marshall will be available for skate sharpening and equipment repairs at (705) 567-5215.

NEW LISKEARD

New Liskeard is the furthest south tournament participants will travel, 210 kilometres (approximately two hours). A community of more than 5,000, thanks to a 1970s growth, its strong agricultural base has stabilized the area’s economy, where residents have been able to avoid the boom-and-bust cycle of other northern communities. Often referred to as the Tri-Towns, New Liskeard is an attractive, stable, and vital community in the north.

New Liskeard Recreation Centre

Open year round, the facility is one of the busiest in the north. Local figure skaters, minor hockey, women’s hockey players and the New Liskeard Cubs of the Great North Midget League all make their home at the arena. Jean Luc Dupuis will be available for equipment repairs and skate sharpening at (705) 647-3139.