Vancouver to host 2019 NHL Draft

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It was one of the worst kept secrets in the NHL for the last week but today it was made official.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman alongside Vancouver Canucks President Trevor Linden and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson announced Rogers Arena will be home to the 2019 NHL Draft. It’s the first time the Canucks have hosted the draft since 2006 and the third time in team history.

“Returning the Draft to Vancouver allows the entire NHL family to meaningfully participate in a highlight of the Canucks’ 50-year anniversary celebration,” says Bettman. “The 2019 NHL Draft will provide another memorable moment for the Canucks and their fans while shining the spotlight on one of the world’s most scenic cities and serving as the starting point for so many NHL careers.”

LISTEN: Gary Bettman speaks with SN650 hosts Andrew Walker and Scott Rintoul

 

Robertson, who is nearly done as mayor of the city, took a moment to congratulate the club. “The City of Vancouver looks forward to welcoming athletes and their families, international media and representatives from nearly every league worldwide to our city for this exciting event and to cheer on many young players as they start their careers.”

The league says further details about the draft will be released at a later date.

In addition to the draft, Vancouver will also be host the 2018 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in June of 2019.
Vancouver has hosted the draft twice before: in 1990, when Owen Nolan was selected No. 1 overall by the Quebec Nordiques, and most recently in 2006 (Erik Johnson, St. Louis Blues). Montreal is the most recent Canadian city to host the draft, in 2009.

Our friends at Sportsnet 650 will be streaming the announcement live, and will also be hosting Bettman on-air at 4 p.m.

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