World Under-17 Hockey Challenge coming to P.E.I.

Prince Edward Island will host the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge inthe fall of 2020.

The challenge is an international tournament held annually in Canada that brings together some of the world's best young male hockey players.

Charlottetown and Summerside will share hosting duties for the 22 games.J.P. Desrosiers, director of community services for the City of Summerside, says it all came together thanks to a growing partnership between the province's two largest municipalities.

'Cities working together'

"I think it's something we can all be proud of, and it's something I think will open the eyes of Islanders to the potentialboth our cities working together can really have on the province as a whole."

Restaurants, hotels, retailers, anyone who is really open for business isgoing tohave an influx of people. Wayne Long

The province has committed $250,000 for the event. Organizers have funding requests out to both municipalities, as well as the federal government, and are looking forcorporate sponsors.

About 500 volunteers will be needed,officials said.

The tournament is expected to draw thousands of visitors, said Wayne Long,events development officer for the City of Charlottetown.

'Hundreds of scouts'

"Restaurants, hotels, retailers, anyone who is really open for business is going tohave an influx of people," he said.

"The teams themselves, sport fans, media, a huge number of scouts, probably one of the largest scouting events in the country.Hundreds of scouts will literally descend on both cities for this particular event, so wherever there's a dollar to be had, be ready to earn it."

Many who have played in past tournaments havegoneon to be stars in the NHL,including in recent years ConnorMcDavid(2013) andAuston Matthews (2014).Summersidenative NoahDobson, a first-round pick of the New York Islanders, played in the tournament in 2016.

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