The Jan. 17-20 event, which included a chance to view the Stanley Cup and dozens of NHL alumni, attracted thousands of fans to Victoria.
Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada generated nearly $4 million in economic activity for the region, according to the Greater Victoria Sports Tourism Commission.
The Jan. 17-20 event, which included a chance to see the Stanley Cup and dozens of NHL alumni, attracted thousands of fans, filling restaurants, bars, hotels, the Inner Harbor and the Save on Foods Memorial Center.
The Sports Tourism Commission's International Destination Economic Impact Report said the event also supported 2,369 jobs and generated $627,025 in taxes.
“We knew Greater Victoria had already come together for a very successful celebration of hockey and the community, but these numbers show that hosting events like this benefits everyone,” said John Wilson, president of the Victoria Hockey Heritage Association.
Wilson said the event will have long-lasting effects, with people who saw it on television coming for long vacations.
“I'm excited to see how our destination continues to benefit from the excellent exposure we've received on Sportsnet.”
On January 20, an estimated 8.5 million Canadians watched Sportsnet's 13-hour broadcast. At any given moment, nearly 800,000 people were following the Canadian teams, while a panel including Ron McLean, Jennifer Botterill, David Amber, Kevin Bieksa and others anchored the coverage from the Inner Harbour.
About 20,000 people visited Ship Point during the main event.
The NHL Alumni Game sold out the 7,000-fan Save-on-Foods Memorial Center, and a celebratory banquet was held in the largest room at the Victoria Convention Center.
“There is a power in sport that goes beyond the arena or the stadium,” said Keith Wells, executive director of the Sports Tourism Commission. “We are always working to provide opportunities for sport to add vitality to our region, and the committee looks forward to working with John [Wilson] and the Victoria Hockey Heritage Association in future endeavours.
Proceeds from the event helped the Courtnall Mental Health Association, which works to promote a better understanding of mental health through education.
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