Today is a practice day at the World Para Ice Hockey Championships at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, giving players and spectators alike a chance to take in everything Moose Jaw has to offer. 

Even before the break in action, it wasn’t uncommon to see team members out in the community taking in the stores and amenities. 

“We've heard some of the teams have gone out to the golf course or gone bowling and they're checking out the community. They are loving Moose Jaw,” said Moose Jaw Events Centre general manager Ryan MacIvor. 

And it’s not just the players that have traveled a long distance to Moose Jaw for the championship. Many family members of players and out-of-town spectators are staying in the city and spending their money locally. 

“We have a family of four that flew out from Ottawa and they're here for the entire tournament. They're stay in a hotel, eating, having a good time, checking out all the different amenities, and they all have a lasting impact within our community. This is a great win for not only for Moose Jaw, but for Saskatchewan and Canada,” MacIvor commented. 

All week, teams from eight countries have been competing for a chance to play in Sunday’s gold medal game. 

For Team Canada, they made history on Monday night as it was the first time they’ve played a world championship on home ice. MacIvor said Monday night’s game meant a lot to the players. 

“Team Canada, some of them haven't played in front of their families since 2018 because of COVID and the lockdowns and the bubbles. So again, Team Canada is ready to go and they are excited that, for the first time, this national team’s played on home ice. It's something special for them,” he said. 

MacIvor credited his staff and the countless volunteers for helping put the event together in a matter of 70 days. 

Tickets are still available heading into the championship weekend. You can purchase your tickets here.