Several Central Alberta communities are gearing up to host hockey and ringette provincials this month.

Hockey Alberta and Ringette Alberta announced their provincial host sites earlier this year, with Hockey Alberta saying over 10,000 amateur players from over 100 communities taking part in the tournaments.

“Hockey Alberta would like to thank every association that submitted a bid to host provincials,” said Hockey Alberta president Annie Orton.

“Hosting a prestigious event like the Investors Group Hockey Alberta Provincials is no easy task. It’s a huge time commitment and its success is dependent on a great deal of volunteer and community support. We have every confidence that this year’s selected host sites will uphold our goal of creating a memorable experience, not just for the players, but parents, coaches, officials and volunteers as well.”

Lacombe gets everything going next week when they host the Bantam AA Minor provincials, which will run from March 17 -20.

Eckville, meantime, will host Bantam D provincials, which will run also start next week.

Rimbey also gets in on the action, hosting the Midget A provincial tournament, which runs March 24-27, while Caroline will host the Midget C tournament during those same three days.

The senior AAA men’s tournament, which will run as a best of seven series, will see the Bentley Generals battle the Fort Saskatchewan with game one set for this Saturday at the Red Deer Arena.

The winner of the series will represent Alberta in the McKenzie Cup series with B.C., with a trip to the Allen Cup national championship in Kenora, Ontario on the line.

Games three, five (if necessary) and seven (if necessary) will also be held at the Arena.

On the ringette side, Red Deer will host the Under 12 C tournament, with games starting this Friday.

Even though Red Deer Ringette Association is hosting the event, all games will be played at the new Penhold Multi-Plex.

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