CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – Mayor Clifford Lee announced today that the 2008 Esso Women’s National Hockey Championship will be hosted in Charlottetown in March 2008 (dates to be Confirmed).

As part of its Annual General Meeting, which took place this weekend, Hockey Canada announced the site locations for various Hockey Canada National Championships and National Events in 2007 and 2008.

The sites were selected from various bid submissions, and were chosen by Hockey Canada’s council members and approved by the Hockey Canada Board of Directors during its AGM.

The Esso Women's National Championship was established in 1982 and is Canada's Senior Women's National Championship. The 2006 event marked the 25th anniversary of Canada's National Women's Championship and also marked the 70th anniversary of Esso's long standing commitment to the sport of hockey in Canada.

Traditionally ten of Hockey Canada's Branches from across the country have sent a representative Senior Women's Hockey Team to the event, featuring some of the top senior female players from across Canada and Olympic medalists.

Mayor Lee stated, “I am delighted that Charlottetown has been awarded the hosting-rights to the 2008 Esso Women’s National Hockey Championship. Charlottetown makes events happen and this is another great event for our community. The 2008 Championship promises to be not just an event, but an experience as a whole, while being a showcase for Hockey Canada and female hockey.”

Charlottetown has taken a new direction in hosting events. Two and a half years ago, the City created the Events Development Officer position, to develop and market Charlottetown as a major event destination.

The City continually pursues opportunities with partners for Charlottetown to host regional, national and international sporting and cultural events. The City recognizes the value of the events sector and is placing high priority on major events to stimulate tourism, economic and community growth.

The Championship will be hosted at the Charlottetown Civic Centre and at the Capital Area Recreation Inc. Complex – MacLauchlan Area A.