Article appeared in Recreation Facilities Association of British Columbia (RFABC) Facility 2 Facility Spring 2023 Edition 

The highly-anticipated CARHA Hockey World Cup welcomed the world to Richmond, British Columbia, this March for the seventh edition of the popular event. Started in 1996 with an Olympic-style approach, the tournament is organized every four years in a select Canadian city. It has since come to be known as the world's largest international recreational hockey tournament. In the spirit of bringing people together from around the world to celebrate their passion for the game, CARHA Hockey provides adult recreational hockey players with the opportunity to strive for excellence through teamwork, fair play, and camaraderie in Canada's national sport.

Approximately 100 teams from nine countries, including Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States, participated in the 2023 event. Seventeen divisions ranging from 25+ to 70+ featured games played between local, national and international teams. Comprised of recreational and competitive amateur players, our beloved sport proves to be a game you can enjoy for life, which CARHA Hockey is proud to support through growth and participation. The opportunity for men and women to compete against teams from around the world is a unique highlight for participants, but the CARHA Hockey World Cup is more than competition.

The week-long event boasts new friendships and lasting memories. The experience for participants included Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Athletes' Village, an opportunity to attend an NHL game, and time to enjoy the surrounding area. Significant economic activity is generated with the event lasting seven days, making it distinct compared to other amateur sporting events. There is also a strong community element. Over 25,000 spectators took in the family-friendly festivities, including almost two hundred games and the March of Athletes, which kicked off the week. Every CARHA Hockey World Cup strives to leave a positive impact. Canucks Autism Network and KidSport Richmond were highlighted as the tournament's charities of choice. Representatives were invited for a special cheque presentation at the Feature Game, a select division championship game that is a fixture at every tournament.

Learn more about the CARHA Hockey World Cup at www.carhahockeyworldcup.ca or check out the video recap and interviews on the CARHA Hockey YouTube page (@CARHAHockey75).