CALGARY, AB – As announced by Hockey Canada on Monday, Canada’s National Women’s Team will take on Team USA in pre-Olympic games in Regina, SK on October 6 at the Regina Brandt Centre, Saskatoon, SK on Oct.8 at the Saskatoon Credit Union Centre, and Winnipeg, MB on January 1 at the MTS Centre.

These are the only three international games being played in Canada against the IIHF number two ranked USA in Canada prior to the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, and will be crucial for both teams as Canada prepares to defend its 2002 Olympic gold medal.

Team Canada is currently centralized in Calgary, AB with the top 27 female players. A roster of 20 players selected to represent Canada at the 2006 Olympics will be named prior to the Games.

REGINA – CANADA VS. USA
Thursday, Oct.6, 8:00 pm CT
Brandt Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan

Tickets can be purchased by calling (306) 781-9300 or by calling toll free at 1(888) 734-3975. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Brandt Centre Box Office. Ticket prices are $18 adult, $9 for kids 12yrs and under (plus service fee). Tickets go on sale Friday, August 19.

SASKATOON – CANADA VS. USA
Saturday, Oct. 8, 12 noon CT
Saskatoon Credit Union Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Tickets can be purchased by calling (306) 938-7800 or by calling toll free at 1(800) 970-7328 or purchase tickets online at www.creditunioncentre.com. Ticket prices are $18 adult, $9 for kids 12 years and under (plus service fee). Tickets go on sale Friday, August 12.

WINNIPEG – CANADA VS. USA
Sunday, Jan. 1, 2:30pm CT
MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Tickets can be purchased by calling (204) 780-3333 or purchase tickets online at www.ticketmaster.ca Ticket prices range from $10-$22.50. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 23.

“We are very excited about playing these three games in Saskatchewan and Manitoba,” said Melody Davidson, Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s National Team. “Not only will this be an opportunity for some of our players to play in front of friends and family, it will be a great showcase for women’s hockey in the prairies, a place we haven’t visited in quite some time.”

Team Canada will also face Team USA three more times in the United States prior to the Olympics: Nov.27 in Columbus, OH, Dec.1 in Chicago, IL, and Dec.30 in St. Paul, MN.

For more information please visit Hockey Canada’s official website at www.hockeycanada.ca.