There are plenty of reasons why obtaining the rights to host the 2018 Telus Cup is a good thing for Greater Sudbury.
But make no mistake, there are equally compelling benefits for Albert Corradini and the Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves, looking to the event as an additional lure, aiding with the retention of local top-end 16 and 17 year old hockey talent.
"We think it is, we hope it is, and time will tell," said Corradini recently. "I'm not going to lie, we've had some players leave this year, who I thought would stick around to play for a provincial."
As host team for both the 2017 OHF Central Region Midget "AAA" Championships and the Telus Cup a year later, the Nickel Capitals Wolves garner an automatic entry into both tournaments.
There is simply no denying that the events provide an additional guarantee opportunity for young prospects to be showcased, with both competitions generally well-attended by those entrusted with assessing on-ice skills and potential.
"If you look at the quality of player coming out of the Telus Cup, it provides a really good platform," said Corradini.
"When you talk to guys like Matt Lecours, who played in the Telus Cup and won it, they'll tell you that it was the highlight of his hockey career."
Front and centre in the process of bringing the successful bid to Sudbury, Corradini must now turn his efforts towards two main fronts: the on-ice competitiveness of the host team, as well as the overall quality of the tournament for all those visitors to the region for the national midget boys showcase.
"I think we have some really good people that are going to be involved," he said. "I'm going to be especially concerned with the financial side of things, because it's a huge undertaking. But I have to be concerned with the on-ice product. We have to focus our efforts on creating a good hockey team.
"From our perspective, a successful event will find a lot of people in the stands, we have to introduce the city to the brand that is Midget 'AAA' hockey. But what will set this apart, in my mind, is the player experience. This has to be the best hockey experience for these young men."
An experience for which Sudburians can be proud, both on and off the ice.
