A drive to the net

Hampus Engzell was playing hockey in Stockholm, Sweden when Coach Pete Belliveau tapped him to play for the Dalhousie Tigers hockey team.

It was a game changer, as they say.

The talented forward wanted to try something new and liked the fact that another Swede (defense player Robert Ahlander) would be on the team.

The first-year arts student is pleased with the way his first term is turning out—and now he’s got another reason to be excited about joining Dalhousie.

President Tom Traves just announced a bid to host the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national championship tournament in 2011-12. Mr. Engzell's eligibility will continue until the tournament, potentially seeing him play on home ice against the best teams in the country.

“Hosting this event is a first not only for Dalhousie University but also a first for the city of Halifax and the Province of Nova Scotia. It’s hard to believe that with such a rich tradition of hosting local, national and international hockey championships Halifax hasn’t hosted this national championship to date,” says Dr. Traves.

Schedule: Meanwhile, the men’s varsity season continues, with St. Thomas at Dal on Fri., Nov. 7; the Universite de Moncton at Dal on Sat. Nov. 8; Dal at St. FX on Wed., Nov. 12 and SMU at Dal on Sat. Nov. 15. All games are at 7 p.m. The women’s varsity team is playing away games against St. Thomas on Fri. Nov. 7 and against Universite de Moncton on Sat. Nov. 8. They return to home ice on Sat. Nov. 15 to play UPEI; and on Sun. Nov. 16 to play Mount A. Check game times on the athletics web site.

In partnership with Events Halifax, the university has put some preliminary plans in place, including securing the Metro Centre as a venue. Another advantage is the cadre of local volunteers who are experienced in delivering high profile sporting events.

The city has a solid base of hockey fans, not to mention the 30,000 alumni who live nearby. This presents a solid opportunity to pre-sell tickets for the tournament, noted organizer Kevin Tobin.

“The response is very enthusiastic, and I think they’ll support it in a big way,” says Beatrice Schori, President of the Friends of Dalhousie Hockey Society.

The goal is to sell out the lower bowl prior to the event and the sale kicked off with Dr. Traves handing $25 over to Mr. Tobin. That $25 will hold a seat until word of the successful bid is announced this December. At that point, depending on the decision, either a full refund will be made immediately, or lucky fans will pay off the balance in March, 2009.

“Along with acquiring Pete Belliveau—who is well known for recruiting skills—this will be a real shot in the arm,” says general manager Chuck Wheeler, a long-time supporter. “Everyone on the team is really excited, including the parents.”

Meanwhile, it’s back to the fast-paced and high-calibre university hockey league. The AUS league is competitive, with several teams ranked in the CIS top 10, and a number of teams tied for second place.

“I like the smaller rinks, it’s a faster game, there’s more hits, it’s really intense and fun,” says Mr. Engzell.
 
“Halifax is a university town and it’s time to bring this event to Nova Scotia, the birthplace of hockey where fans love and support the game,” says Dr. Traves.

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Phone Ticket Atlantic at 451-1221, drop by the box office in the Halifax Metro Centre, or go online at: http://www.ticketatlantic.com/en/home/sports/cishockey.aspx