Memorial Cup organizers added another financial supporter to the team on Tuesday with Red Deer County committing $150,000.
Darcy Mykytyshyn, chair of the 2013 Memorial Cup Bid Committee, was clearly pleased with the unanimous county support, which comes on top of $300,000 the City of Red Deer approved last month.
“It just increased the odds of getting this event in Central Alberta significantly,” said Mykytyshyn, following his presentation to county council.
Financial contributions were sought to backstop the event in case revenues fall short of meeting the commitment that the Western Hockey League needs to secure the bid. There’s a good chance that the money will never be needed, he told council.
The provincial government is also being asked for funding help for the national junior hockey championships, which have not been held in Alberta since 1974.
“We believe it’s time for the Memorial Cup to come to Alberta,” he said, adding there is no better venue than Red Deer.