Brodie O’Keefe was busy manning the phones trying to get the competing teams to P.E.I.
But snow, rain and wind on Thursday meant restrictions on the Confederation Bridge, which wasn’t making his job any easier.
“All the teams are flying in to Halifax and what we’ll do is if the bridge is closed we’ll send another bus to meet them on the Borden side and shuttle the players and their equipment across to P.E.I.,’’ O’Keefe said after making one of many calls to handle Team Canada’s players.
The sledge hockey challenge runs Dec. 4-10 at MacLauchlan Arena in Charlottetown. The P.E.I. capital hosted this event in 2008 and 2009.
The four-team event features Canada, Korea, Norway and the United States.
Team Canada landed in Halifax on Thursday. Some of the players flew directly to Charlottetown. The U.S. was expected to arrive in Halifax also on Thursday while Korea and Norway should arrive today.
Organizers were unable to get Russia booked due to the ban from the Paralympics after losing an appeal against doping exclusion.
“We tried to work around it as this is an invitational tournament but we were told no. We found out early September that Russia would not participate so then we were left scrambling to find that fourth team.’’
O’Keefe said it’s a lot of work trying to bring a team into the event on such short notice. The Norwegians didn’t exactly plan to fly halfway around the world.
But, that doesn’t mean the competition will suffer in Charlottetown. Norway is also no stranger to Charlottetown, having competed in the event both years the city hosted it.
“Some of the same players that were with the team back then are coming with the full team.’’
Canada opens against Norway on Sunday at 5 p.m.
“Obviously it would have been nice to have Russia here because they’ve never been here before but everyone we’ve talked to remembers Norway because of the way they play and how good they are. They bring a different edge to the competition and a different style and they’ll battle all three teams for the gold medal.’’
O’Keefe said ticket sales are going well. P.E.I. schools are participating by sending a minimum of 800 students to each of the noon games on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. That means MacLauchlan Arena is going to get noisy.
“Some of these teams play in front of (very few) fans back home. We’re guaranteeing them at least one game in front of at least 800 people here in Charlottetown.’’
The tournament is expected to generate just short of $1 million in Charlottetown. The Holman Grand Hotel in Charlottetown is packed for the event.
Team Canada also happens to include Summerside native Billy Bridges and his 80 kilometre-per-hour shot.
“Not only is he a great athlete but he’s a great person. He represents the sport with pride and represents the Canadian flag every opportunity he gets,’’ O’Keefe said.
www.Twitter.com/DveStewart
WIN WITH THE GUARDIAN
The Guardian is giving away a free pair of tickets to each game. Just call and tell us the name of the P.E.I. native who is playing for Team Canada to qualify. Call 902-629-1707.
PRELIMINARY ROUND SCHEDULE
Sunday’s Games
12 p.m. - U.S. vs. Korea
5 p.m. - Norway vs. Canada
Monday’s Games
12 p.m. - Norway vs. U.S.
7 p.m. - Korea vs. Canada
Wednesday’s Games
12 p.m. - Korea vs. Norway
7 p.m. - Canada vs. U.S.
*****
HOW TO GET TICKETS
Fans can purchase full-event ticket packages, which include six preliminary-round games, two semifinals, and the bronze- and gold-medal games, for just $50.
Packages may be purchased online at www.2016 World Sledge or by visiting the Bell Aliant Centre.
Individual day passes will be available at the Bell Aliant Centre box office on game days.
Minor Hockey Team Packages
Ticket packages for minor hockey teams (minimum 20 tickets) are $120. Teams wishing to purchase a team package should contact Brodie O’Keefe at [email protected]
Brodie O’Keefe was busy manning the phones trying to get the competing teams to P.E.I.
But snow, rain and wind on Thursday meant restrictions on the Confederation Bridge, which wasn’t making his job any easier.
“All the teams are flying in to Halifax and what we’ll do is if the bridge is closed we’ll send another bus to meet them on the Borden side and shuttle the players and their equipment across to P.E.I.,’’ O’Keefe said after making one of many calls to handle Team Canada’s players.
The sledge hockey challenge runs Dec. 4-10 at MacLauchlan Arena in Charlottetown. The P.E.I. capital hosted this event in 2008 and 2009.
The four-team event features Canada, Korea, Norway and the United States.
Team Canada landed in Halifax on Thursday. Some of the players flew directly to Charlottetown. The U.S. was expected to arrive in Halifax also on Thursday while Korea and Norway should arrive today.
Organizers were unable to get Russia booked due to the ban from the Paralympics after losing an appeal against doping exclusion.
“We tried to work around it as this is an invitational tournament but we were told no. We found out early September that Russia would not participate so then we were left scrambling to find that fourth team.’’
O’Keefe said it’s a lot of work trying to bring a team into the event on such short notice. The Norwegians didn’t exactly plan to fly halfway around the world.
But, that doesn’t mean the competition will suffer in Charlottetown. Norway is also no stranger to Charlottetown, having competed in the event both years the city hosted it.
“Some of the same players that were with the team back then are coming with the full team.’’
Canada opens against Norway on Sunday at 5 p.m.
“Obviously it would have been nice to have Russia here because they’ve never been here before but everyone we’ve talked to remembers Norway because of the way they play and how good they are. They bring a different edge to the competition and a different style and they’ll battle all three teams for the gold medal.’’
O’Keefe said ticket sales are going well. P.E.I. schools are participating by sending a minimum of 800 students to each of the noon games on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. That means MacLauchlan Arena is going to get noisy.
“Some of these teams play in front of (very few) fans back home. We’re guaranteeing them at least one game in front of at least 800 people here in Charlottetown.’’
The tournament is expected to generate just short of $1 million in Charlottetown. The Holman Grand Hotel in Charlottetown is packed for the event.
Team Canada also happens to include Summerside native Billy Bridges and his 80 kilometre-per-hour shot.
“Not only is he a great athlete but he’s a great person. He represents the sport with pride and represents the Canadian flag every opportunity he gets,’’ O’Keefe said.
www.Twitter.com/DveStewart
WIN WITH THE GUARDIAN
The Guardian is giving away a free pair of tickets to each game. Just call and tell us the name of the P.E.I. native who is playing for Team Canada to qualify. Call 902-629-1707.
PRELIMINARY ROUND SCHEDULE
Sunday’s Games
12 p.m. - U.S. vs. Korea
5 p.m. - Norway vs. Canada
Monday’s Games
12 p.m. - Norway vs. U.S.
7 p.m. - Korea vs. Canada
Wednesday’s Games
12 p.m. - Korea vs. Norway
7 p.m. - Canada vs. U.S.
*****
HOW TO GET TICKETS
Fans can purchase full-event ticket packages, which include six preliminary-round games, two semifinals, and the bronze- and gold-medal games, for just $50.
Packages may be purchased online at www.2016 World Sledge or by visiting the Bell Aliant Centre.
Individual day passes will be available at the Bell Aliant Centre box office on game days.
Minor Hockey Team Packages
Ticket packages for minor hockey teams (minimum 20 tickets) are $120. Teams wishing to purchase a team package should contact Brodie O’Keefe at [email protected]
