The World Junior Hockey Championships could be headed to Saskatchewan this winter.

Regina city council unanimously approved $350,000 for a bid to host the tournament, which is scheduled to start in December of this year.

Regina Mayor Sandra Masters thinks the city and province is ready.

“I think between our volunteers, we have a compilation of venues that’s somewhat unique to anyone else trying to bid on this right now,” said Masters after Friday morning’s meeting. “I think the way in which we host these events, which over and over again are recognized are world class, if not the best in Canada, that I think we can pull it off.”

The World Juniors hockey championships are an annual tournament typically scheduled near Christmas and New Year’s. The 2022 Grey Cup is scheduled for November 20 at Mosaic Stadium, but there is also a week of activities that will be leading up to that.

Tourism organizations from Regina and Saskatoon, as well as the REAL District, SaskTel Centre, and Regina and Saskatoon hotel groups, are behind the bid as well.  Masters is looking forward to the chance to showcase Regina as part of the  winter city strategy.

“I think this is something the city of Regina will completely wrap it’s… arms around, and be in a place to welcome international visitors and hockey fans from all over the province and Canada, hopefully,” Masters said.

Tourism groups are expecting 150,000 hotel room nights to be booked for the tournament.

The bid will be submitted Monday and a decision is expected by the end of the month.