This year, Sweden would like to put forward a bid to host the WJC. For the last couple of years, the growth of hockey has been relatively slow in the nation and it is the hope of the SIF (Swedish Hockey Federation) that hosting a WJC event, along with increased support for youth hockey programs in the country will lead to renewed interest in the game.

As an avid sports fan, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden has given his personal guarantee that he will attend every game that Sweden plays to give the tournament more exposure. He has also agreed to hand out medals during the closing ceremony. The Crown Prince, Carl Philip, has also agreed to take part in the planned pond hockey game (for more information, see below) that will be played in Östermalms IP, an outdoor bandy rink located in central Stockholm.

Facilities
To facilitate the tournament, a total of six arenas have been made available for the tournament in three different cities. Two areas in Stockholm, two in Gothenburg, one in Malmö and one in Gävle. Two additional arenas have been selected for standby in case of emergency, one in Stockholm and one in Gothenburg.

List if the arenas:
Stockholm, Globen (seats 13 850)
Malmö, Malmö Arena (seats 12 600)
Gothenburg, Scandinavium (seats 12 050)
Stockholm, Hovet (seats 8 100)
Gävle, Monitor ERP Arena (seats 7 900)
Gothenburg, Frölunda Isstadion (seats 7 550)
Backup Arenas
Stockholm (Södertälje), Scaniarinken ( seats 6 200)
Malmö, Malmö Isstadion (seats 5 800)

Travel between the different major cities is simple. Domestic flights and express trains are available and are relatively quick, making it possible for fans to lodge in Gothenburg and going to see games in Stockholm with relative ease. SJ (Swedish railway services) have agreed to give ticket holders a significant discount on travel between the major cities to encourage fans to see more games as well as to give tourists a chance to see different parts of the country.
The opening and closing events will be held in Stockholm, specifically in the Globen Arena. This will also be the arena that the gold medal game will be played in.

Nordic Hockey Alumni Pond Hockey Game

A pond hockey game, played at Östermalms IP, will take place in between the Round Robin and the medal games of the tournament. A number of retired nordic players have been invited to take part in the game and have also agreed to spend some time with fans after the game is over. With added seating, it is believed that as many as 10 000 spectators will be able to take part, if they so choose. Admission is free as long as you have a ticket to one of the WJC games. Crown Prince Carl Philip has also agreed to take part in the game.

We sincerely hope you found our bid agreeable and we look forward to a reply from the IIHF.

Sincerely,

Henrik Lekberg Osterman, on behalf of the SIF.






Ready for grading.
500 words + that godawful graphic that I'm strangely proud of.