Hockey Canada, in partnership with BC Hockey and the BC Female Midget AAA Hockey League (FMAAA), announced that Burnaby, BC will host the 2013 Esso Cup, Canada’s fifth annual National Female Midget Championship.
The Fraser Valley Phantom, who compete in the BC Hockey Female Midget AAA League will serve as the host team of the 2013 Esso Cup. Canada’s National Female Midget AAA Championship will welcome the top female midget teams from across the country at the twin-rink, 2,000 seat capacity Bill Copeland Sports Centre next April.
“BC Hockey is extremely excited to host the Esso Cup for its first time,” said BC Hockey President Wilf Liefke. “This event will showcase some of the best women’s hockey in the country, including Fraser Valley Phantom players from our own backyard, and will also help grow and strengthen the female game across our province.”
The 2013 Esso Cup will feature five (5) regional champions (Pacific, West, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic), in addition to the host team Fraser Valley Phantoms. The six (6) teams will compete in a five (5) day round robin, followed by semi-finals and the bronze and gold medal games. The gold medal game will air on TSN/RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada.
“We have no doubt that Burnaby will be a fantastic host to this special women’s hockey event, which continues to grow in popularity and prestige,” commented Dean McIntosh, Director of Marketing Services and Events for Hockey Canada. “We look forward to seeing Canada’s top female midget teams face off for national championship bragging rights on BC ice.”
The Female Midget AAA League was initiated in the 2007-2008 season in response to the membership’s desire to provide an opportunity for elite female hockey players to come together on zone teams to challenge other elite Female Midget teams.