Jr. hockey bid scores

Controllers approve London’s bid for the 2006 world junior tournament.

rThere was some delicate stickhandling behind closed doors at city hall yesterday before board of control unanimously agreed to bid on the world junior hockey championship for 2006. City council will be asked Monday to decide whether to back the bid by London and co-host city Kitchener. r

No financial details were disclosed, but it is known Hockey Canada requests a guarantee in excess of $3.5 million in profit from the host city, with London expected to be on the hook for about three-quarters of that.r

A jubilant John Winston, general manager of Tourism London, who leads the bid team, admitted the two-hour grilling was “a tough sell,” but worth the outcome.r

Bid officials and controllers said financial details of the proposal are being kept confidential so London does not tip its hand to the nine other Canadian cities competing for the event.r

Winston’s closed-door presentation came after Controllers Tom Gosnell and Bud Polhill had expressed concern the world juniors would not produce enough money to pay off the guarantee.r

“There were a lot of probing questions, but we met the challenge in every respect,” Winston said.r

“We’re very confident in the business case and board of control has confirmed that in a very solid fashion.”r

Winston said he’s optimistic London council will offer similar unanimous support.r

In addition to being asked to back the bid, council will also be asked Monday to approve the following:r

– Contribute a sponsorship grant of $50,000 in 2005, should the event be awarded to London/ Kitchener;r

– Contribute $100,000 in 2005 toward permanent improvements to the John Labatt Centre to accommodate a 10-team international hockey tournament and significant media presence, should the event go ahead here; andr

– Agree that if there are additional surpluses beyond the guarantee, the host cities and host branch will receive 50 per cent to a maximum of $200,000. The clause means if such surpluses happen, London would receive a maximum $100,000 with Kitchener receiving $50,000 and the Ontario Hockey Association getting $50,000.r

Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco, a vocal supporter of the bid from the outset, praised the organizing team for “an exceptional job” in presenting its business case.r

She said the community supports bringing the international competition here, noting nearly 6,700 ticket packages have been pre-sold with $50 deposits.r

Winston noted another 1,500 ticket packages have been sold in Kitchener.r

“We have one of the best Junior A hockey facilities in the country if not North America,” Winston said of the John Labatt Centre. “We have enthusiasm that is unbridled to bring this fantastic sporting event here.”r

Gosnell emerged from the closed-door session solidly behind the bid.r

“I’m satisfied this group will do a great job with the bidding and I had no question about that,” Gosnell said. “My concern was if any unforeseen circumstances could come up that would cause a financial risk for the city and my concerns have been pretty much allayed.”r

There are 10 cities bidding for the games, including four in Ontario — London/Kitchener, the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton and Ottawa.r

THE ROAD TO THE WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPSr

Sept. 18: 2006 world junior championship awarded to Canada.r

Nov. 13: Tourism London goes public with bid to land tourney.r

Nov. 24: As of 6 p.m., 5,000 tickets were sold, just 11 days after the campaign began.r

Dec. 1: Deadline for letter of intent to bid from cities.r

Yesterday: Board of control unanimously backs London’s bid.r

Dec. 15: City council to decide whether to back the bid.r

Jan. 5: Deadline for bids to Hockey Canada.r

Jan. 18: Announcement of cities on short list, with those going on to Calgary to make their case.r

Jan. 30: Winner announced.r

Dec. 26, 2005: The games begin.