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Page 22 It's our Time It's our Time LETTERS OF SUPPORT Established 1964 August 5, 2016 To The Winnipeg-Saskatoon Bid Committee, 2019 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, I am honoured to write a letter of support to back your bid to host the 2019 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. The Saskatoon Blades take great pride in what we have achieved in the past helping to stage world class events, including the 2010 edition of this event. We would be thrilled to have a similar opportunity again and a chance to team up with the people in this city and work with those in Winnipeg and Manitoba to create a world junior championship for the ages. This approach crosses two provinces in the heartland of hockey. For generations, the people of the Canadian Prairies have demonstrated an unrivalled passion for this game. Hockey on the prairies is a way of life, as people drive across a city or a few hundred kilometres down the highway to take their kids to a game or watch some players in action. We take pride in the fact Saskatchewan has delivered more players per capita to the NHL than any other region in the world. We produce world class players, coaches and executives who share prairies roots and common decency. These are the same people who come out in force to work together to help stage extravaganzas such as the 2010 world juniors, the Memorial Cups held in Saskatoon and other communities, plus other events. We look towards the east and see a lot of similarities in the people of Manitoba. They share our love of the game as well as a can-do attitude; they`re a dynamic bunch who are smart, hard working and get things done. The people in these two provinces have a proven track record and are poised to stage a great 2019 world juniors, creating full houses, lasting memories and a solid profits that would be unmatched elsewhere. The Blades share a wonderful history in the Western Hockey League with five other teams in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. I know I can speak for my counterparts when I say collectively we wish you the best in your endeavour to stage the best IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship ever. Move forward with the knowledge the Blades and other WHL teams in these provinces will be there with support every step of the way. Sincerely, Steve Hogle President / Alternate Governor Saskatoon Blades Hockey Club Saskatoon Blades | SaskTel Centre | 201-3515 Thatcher Avenue | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | S7R 1C4