Hatters are being asked to play dress-up a little while past Halloween to help show off the community’s hospitality and love of hockey.
Monday is being promoted as “Jersey Day” by city hall and organizers of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge that will begin this weekend in the city.
Hatters are asked to wear a hockey jersey of their choice on Monday to promote the event not only at games, but throughout the city.
“We welcome these players, their families and hockey fans alike to our community with open arms,” said Coun. Brian Varga, who petitioned council last week to declare Nov. 4 as “Jersey Day” in the city.
Mayor Ted Clugston said Medicine Hat is “an incredible hockey community.”
“We want to see everyone showing their support for these players, these teams and for love of the game.”
The eight-team, six-nation tournament officially opens on Saturday night in Medicine Hat and co-host city, Swift Current.
Two Canadian entries face off at the Canalta Centre starting at 7 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday between the United States and the Czech Republic. Round-robin games in the afternoon and evening continue on Monday and Tuesday before the playoff round on Thursday and Friday. Medal games will be held on Sat., Nov. 9.
Pre-tournament games were played Thursday night in the host cities, as well as Brooks and Shaunavon, Sask.
