Roland Schneuwly bought pyjamas at a Calgary shopping centre on Boxing Day, then watched his son play in the world junior hockey championships.
His new sleepwear represents part of the reason Alberta is relishing its role as the tournament’s host. The world juniors are expected to inject $80-million into the provincial economy, with most of the cash flowing into Calgary.
Mr. Schneuwly and his wife travelled from Switzerland to watch 19-year-old Cédric make his world junior debut at the city’s Saddledome. The couple expects to spend about $5,000 on the 10-day trip, including expenses such as flights, airfare, hotels, meals, and sundries – such as the pyjamas that will replace the pair left at home – that come with attending the tournament as out-of-towners.
“It is expensive,” Mr. Schneuwly said, wearing his country’s flag like a cape during the second intermission of the Russia-Switzerland game, which the Russians eventually won, 3-0. “We came with friends – they have a son who plays, too.”
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