PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. – The 2020 Esso Cup is headed back to the Land of the Living Skies as the Prince Albert Bears welcome the 11th edition of Canada's National Female Midget Championship for the first time in the club’s history. They will be facing off against teams representing the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, West, and Pacific regions, through five days of preliminary-round action before moving to the medal round.

Opening its doors from April 19-25, 2020, the Art Hauser Arena is where all games will be played and the new champion crowned. From the national championship’s inception in 2009 to its most recent edition in Bridgewater, N.S., in 2018, the West Region has dominated, with teams representing Saskatchewan and Manitoba taking home the gold medal four times.

“The Prince Albert Esso Cup committee is excited and honoured to host the 2020 Esso Cup, Canada’s National Female Midget Championship,” said Robin Wildey, host committee co-chair for the 2020 Esso Cup. “Holding this national event will provide Prince Albert and the province Saskatchewan a chance to showcase the best female Midget hockey in Canada. Being part of this national championship that will inspire the next generation of female hockey players and help grow the female game is electrifying.”

The Esso Cup does not just offer fans a look at the top women’s Midget players in the country, the host city has historically generated in excess of $1 million in local economic impact, through tourism from travelling fans, to the provision of services for participating teams and families.

“I am thrilled and honoured that Prince Albert has been selected to host the 2020 Esso Cup. I would like to thank the Prince Albert Bears and the committee members that made the application and that will be doing the hard work involved in hosting a national championship event,” said Mayor Greg Dionne. “We have a community dedicated to sports excellence and a volunteer base that is committed to providing a memorable experience. I am confident visitors and the young female athletes will enjoy their time with us in 2020.”

Teams from Saskatchewan have medaled five times since 2009; the Notre Dame Hounds took home gold in 2011, followed by the Weyburn Gold Wings in 2014. Prince Albert will be looking to become the first host team to win gold on home ice. Regardless of the outcome, the Saskatchewan Hockey Association is looking forward to welcoming Canada’s best female Midget teams to the province.

“The Saskatchewan Hockey Association is proud to once again to host the Esso Cup, this time in Prince Albert in 2020. The two previous Esso Cups held in Regina and Weyburn proved to be outstanding events, not only in leaving a lasting legacy to assist in the development of female hockey, but also assisted in promoting the highest level of Midget hockey for young ladies to participate in,” said Saskatchewan Hockey Association general manager, Kelly McClintock. “Prince Albert will be a tremendous host and the host Bears will be an extremely competitive team. The level of competition will serve as a great promotional tool for female hockey and assist the SHA in its promotion and restructure of female hockey in the province.”

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