Launch of the World Under 20s Ice Hockey Championships
4th October 2004Great Briton's under 20s ice hockey team are set to take to the ice to celebrate iceSheffield landing it's first ever World Championships.
The IIHF World Under-20s Division One Ice Hockey Championships will take place later this year at the state-of-the-art venue, with six national teams competing.
Ice Hockey UK secured the prestigious seven-day tournament - which begins on December 13 - with the backing of Sheffield's Major Sports Events Unit and the fabulous facilities of iceSheffield, despite strong competition from the Italian Ice Hockey Federation.
Great Britain will face France, Norway, Italy, Kazakhstan and Austria in the Championships, after winning the Division Two title in January.
iceSheffield's General Manager, Adrian Broadbelt, said: "This is a major event for a venue that is only just approaching its first anniversary. It is a mark of the standard we are developing for ourselves on an international basis.
"The standard of hockey will be extremely high as many of the players involved already represent their national senior teams.
"Sheffield's geographical location and excellent transport links will allow for some big crowds, especially for the home nation matches."
Major Sports Events Manager for Sheffield City Council's Major Sports Events Unit, Gary Clifton said: "It's a welcome addition to the city's sporting events programme and a fantastic achievement for Sheffield
"The Championships will bring the world's best young ice hockey talent to the city, which can only establish iceSheffield and the city as a major international ice hockey venue."
Neville Moralee, from Ice Hockey UK said: "Ice Hockey UK is delighted that this World Championship is coming to Sheffield. We know that this venue can do justice to the event. The stars of the future from six nations will have a stage worthy of their talents. What a feast of ice hockey we have to look forward to!"
Great Britain's matches are all expected to face-off at around 7.30pm to help generate a capacity crowd. The winners of the Championship gain promotion to the top flight of World under-20s Ice Hockey.
Tickets for this prestigious event will go on sale next Monday (11 October) from the Hallam Fm Arena on 0114 2565656.