The 2018 TELUS Cup, Canada’s National Midget Championship, is headed back to Sudbury, Ont., for the first time in two decades, with the Nickel City set to host the 45th edition of the tournament from April 23-29, 2018 at the Sudbury Community Arena.

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Northern Ontario Hockey Association and the Ontario Hockey Federation, made the announcement Tuesday in Sudbury.

The city last hosted the tournament in 1998, when it was known as the Air Canada Cup. It is the 13th time Ontario will play host, joining Oshawa (1974, 1975); Cornwall (1980); North Bay (1984); Gloucester (1987); Thunder Bay (1988); Kitchener (1993); Sudbury (1998); Sault Ste. Marie (2003, 2013); Kenora (2004); and Arnprior (2008).

“The TELUS Cup is the pinnacle of the minor hockey system in Canada, and it has long been one of the most prestigious tournaments on our calendar,” said Tom Renney, Hockey Canada president and CEO. “We know the passion the people of Northern Ontario have for our game, and it’s exciting to be able to take Canada’s National Midget Championship back to Sudbury for a second time, and to the province of Ontario for a 13th.”

“I have seen first-hand through the years the passion Sudbury has for hockey at every level, and it’s exciting that my hometown will welcome the nation in April 2018 for the TELUS Cup,” said Joe Drago, chair of the Hockey Canada Board of Directors. “This event is a tremendous opportunity for the community to shine on a national stage, and I look forward to being there when the puck drops.”

The host Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves of the Great North Midget League – the 2008 TELUS Cup champions – will be joined by five regional winners (Atlantic, Central, Pacific, Quebec and West) to compete for a national title. It will be the sixth time a team from Sudbury has competed in the event.

“We’re eager to create a world-class hockey tournament and memorable experience for all the participants and visitors coming to the TELUS Cup,” said Albert Corradini, general manager of the Wolves. “Sudbury has had tremendous success in hosting past provincial championships, and with the support and community spirit that has been shown from our local partners, we know fans are in for an exciting time. We’re looking forward to welcoming back the country on the 20th anniversary of the last time Sudbury played host, and the 10th anniversary of our national championship win.”

“The City of Greater Sudbury is very excited for the opportunity to showcase our hockey-crazed city with our signature Northern Ontario hospitality, and the serious hockey talent up here with the Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves,” said Paul Schweyer, major events development officer with the City of Greater Sudbury. “This will be ‘the’ event when it comes in April 2018, which will no doubt reflect in community support and attendance. We look forward to working with the organizing committee, Sudbury Minor Hockey Association, Northern Ontario Hockey Association, Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Canada and numerous volunteers to create a memorable, world-class experience for participants and visitors.”

The sentiments are echoed from the host committee and Sudbury Minor Hockey Association president Craig Maki.

“On behalf of the executive of the Sudbury Minor Hockey Association I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Hockey Canada for the tremendous privilege and responsibility of hosting the 2018 TELUS Cup,” said Maki. “The Sudbury Minor Hockey Association is beyond excited to be invited to play an integral role in this event, as these types of opportunities are a fantastic way showcase the great community of Sudbury on a national stage.”