The TELUS Cup is coming to Chilliwack next year, and the hosts, Fraser Valley Thunderbirds, are ready to show they mean business.
鈥淥bviously we get an automatic spot in the tournament being the host city,鈥� said Thunderbirds U18 coach Riley Emmerson. He addressed players and family members at an event in District 1881 on Wednesday (June 12).
鈥淏ut we want to do this thing the right way and earn our spot in the tournament.鈥�
Many players were present at the very-fitting Thunderbird Lane in the downtown district, as key members of the TELUS Cup Committee were introduced.
鈥淭his is a really awesome event that is going to bring and showcase a lot of talent here to Chilliwack,鈥� said Emmerson.
Chilliwack was officially announced as the host-city for the National U18 Club Championship, also known as the TELUS Cup, back on April 30. The tournament sees the country's best U18 AAA hockey teams from across the country compete in the tournament, fighting for the title of best in Canada. The country鈥檚 various leagues are grouped into regions, with the four regional winners competing alongside the host representative.
Next year will mark the first time Chilliwack has ever hosted the tournament, and the first time it has taken place in B.C. since 2017. It will also be the first time the Thunderbirds have played in the highly-coveted tournament.
鈥淲hat an exciting day for Chilliwack,鈥� said Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove, who is also the committee's co-chair. 鈥淥n behalf of the city, I'm proud to be a part of this organization and this team moving forward.鈥�
鈥淟et鈥檚 go and win this thing, guys.鈥�
鈥淲e're all looking at you guys and really excited for you,鈥� said Chief David Jimmie of the Squiala First Nation, addressing Thunderbirds players. 鈥淵ou get to be a part of something super special and you get to showcase it here in Chilliwack.鈥�
Jimmie is set to serve alongside Mayor Popove as the committee鈥檚 co-chair.
鈥淚 love the passion that you guys are going to get there the right way,鈥� continued Jimmie. 鈥淎nd we believe in you guys to do that.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檓 really excited and looking forward to being part of such a wonderful event next year.鈥�
The tournament is set to take place at the Chilliwack Coliseum, April 21-27, 2025.
