Okotoks will be hosting the 2022 Esso and Telus Cups in May.  

The Esso Cup, established in 2009 brings brings together five regional champions from across the country, plus a host team, to compete for Canada's National Women’s U18 Club Championship.

And since 1974 the Telus Cup brings the best U18 teams in Canada to compete for Canada's National U18 Championship.

Hockey Canada made the announcement yesterday (April 13).

They were originally planned to be held in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and Sydney, Nova Scotia, but were moved to a central location for the safety of participants.

VP of events, Dean McIntosh, was quoted in a Hockey Canada release:

"We are thrilled to bring two Hockey Canada national championships to Okotoks this May. Fans in Southern Alberta will have the opportunity to watch some of the top teams and players in the country, and we look forward to welcoming the competing participants."

It's the first time since 2019 the Cups have been played due to the pandemic.

"Three years after the St. Albert Slash won the most recent Esso Cup and the Toronto Young Nationals hoisted the TELUS Cup, we cannot wait to experience this year's tournaments in a safe and competitive environment."

Both events will run from May 16-22, with regional qualifiers to be held in Westman in the next few weeks.

Tickets are available on Hockey Canada's website, where the tournaments will also be streamed live.