(WGR 550) -- The International Ice Hockey Federation will be hearing a lot from a Queen City-sized suitor when it comes to who will host the 2011 World Junior Championships, according to Business First of Buffalo.
New York senators Hilary Clinton and Charles Schumer have written letters of support for Buffalo to host the event, which includes the best under-20 players in the world. The reigning champion, Canada, boasted Steven Stamkos and Drew Doughty, the top two picks in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, and the United States roster featured two players who made their NHL debuts in 2007-08 (L.A.'s Jonathan Bernier and the Islanders' Kyle Okposo).
The event is annually held in late December and early January, and was last held in the United States in 2005, when North Dakota and Minnesota shared the event. It is unclear whether Buffalo would search out a partner in Rochester, Niagara Falls or St. Catharines, Ont.
"Buffalo is a city of fans that live, eat and breathe hockey, and with another huge fan base just across the border in Canada, I can think of no better city to host the 2011 Under 20 World Championships," Clinton wrote in a letter to David Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey, Inc.
USA Hockey is expected to announce the 2011 host city later this year. Ottawa hosts the 2009 tournament, and Canada will also host the event in 2010. Buffalo's bid is being put together by the Sabres and the Buffalo-Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau.
According to the report, "The economic impact is expected to top, by several million dollars, the $7.4 million generated locally when HSBC Arena has hosted NCAA regional men's basketball playoffs."
To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 1 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 2 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; tournament; WGR; Jeremy White; Golf; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 3 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy tips.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 4 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 5 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 6 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 7 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala; To prepare you for the WGR Celebrity Golf Tournament 2008, this video focuses on Hole 8 at Tri-County Country Club's course. Video hosts Jeremy White and Steve Warzala will share each hole's layout and strategy.; Golf; WGR; Jeremy White; Tri-County Country Club; Steve Warzala;
The Howard Simon Show The only sports-focused morning show in WNY makes you laugh on the way to work.
Schopp & The Bulldog Schopp and The Bulldog's entertaining sports talk makes weekday afternoons better.
The Hobby WGR's new show for card and memorabilia collectors
The WGR Ball Girls Find out about WGR Ball Girls' events, check out the photo gallery, and meet the Ball Girls!
