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Buffalo, NY to Host 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships

Buffalo Sabres | 10/27/2008

USA Hockey announced today it has selected the Buffalo Sabres and HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y., as the host for the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Under-20 Championship (commonly referred to as the IIHF World Junior Championship). Dwyer Arena on the campus of Niagara University will serve as the secondary facility for the event. The 10-nation tournament features the world's best players under 20 years of age and is a 31-game event that takes place over the course of 10 days.

"Buffalo is a wonderful city and we could not be more pleased to be bringing the World Juniors to western New York," said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. "The Sabres are a first-class organization and the participants and fans from around the world will have the chance to experience that first hand."

"We are honored that USA Hockey has chosen the Buffalo Sabres and HSBC Arena as the host for the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Tournament," said Tom Golisano, owner of the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres. "All of Western New York will benefit greatly from this world-class event being staged right here in Buffalo." Currently 24 players in the Buffalo Sabres organization have participated in the World Juniors:
 

“The interest level of the World Junior Championship continues to grow,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “The tournament is a crown jewel within international hockey circles and an event at which fans will see the future stars of the National Hockey League and Olympic Games."
 

The United States has earned five medals in the event's history, claiming gold in 2004, silver in 1997 and bronze in 1986, 1992 and 2007. Team USA has played for a medal in each of the last six World Junior Championships.

2011 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP TICKET PACKAGE INFORMATION
Buffalo Sabres season ticket and mini-pack holders will have the first opportunity to purchase ticket packages to the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship and will be notified with details by mail. Other fans should visit www.buffaloworldjuniors.com to purchase ticket packages. A $200 non-refundable deposit per seat is required. Should seats not be available, all money will be refunded. An on-sale date will be announced in the future. Additionally, individual game ticket information, including an on-sale date, will be announced at a later date if tickets are available.

NOTES:

• Tentative dates for the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship are Dec. 26, 2010 - Jan. 5, 2011 ...
• The IIHF World Under-20 Championship was founded in 1977 ...
• USA Hockey conducted site visits with the three finalist cities in September -- Buffalo, N.Y., Grand Forks, N.D. and Minneapolis/St. Paul ...
• The International Ice Hockey Federation granted USA Hockey the rights to host three IIHF World Championships in May of 2007, including the 2009 IIHF World Men's Under-18 Championship (which will take place April 9-19, 2009, in Fargo, N.D. and Moorhead, Minn.), the 2011 World Under-20 Championship and the 2012 World Women's Championship (at a site to be determined) ...
• Tony Rossi, vice president of USA Hockey and a member of the IIHF Council, oversees all aspects of international competition for USA Hockey.