The 2005 Royal Bank Cup was added to the list of events celebrating Saskatchewan's 100th anniversary on Friday, with Centennial 2005 announcing a $20,000 contribution to the operation of the national Junior 'A' hockey tournament.

"It's certainly our goal for the provincial Centennial to have events like this, to see events like this happen right across the province," said Bryon Burnett, CEO of Centennial 2005.

"We want to have it happen in every community, in every town and village, right from north to south. We want to make sure every individual in Saskatchewan has what we call a 'Centennial moment.'"

Burnett, appearing on behalf of Centennial chair Glenn Hagel, appeared at a news conference in the Colosseum on Friday to make the announcement.

In honour of the donation, Pat Maloney, co-chair of the RBC host committee, said they will be naming the refreshment garden that will be located in the Sports Arena for the duration of the tournament the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Homestead.

Maloney said the RBC host committee tried to bring the tournament to Weyburn in 2005 because that was the Centennial year.

"And now, it's all coming together," he said.

Mayor Don Schlosser said, "The city of Weyburn is extremely pleased to be afforded the opportunity to host the 2005 Royal Bank Cup.

"We are ready to roll out the red carpet with teams and fans from across Canada, to welcome them to our city."

The Royal Bank Cup tournament, which runs May 7-15, is now listed on the Saskatchewan Centennial's website in their listing of events. The website's address is: www.sask2005.ca

Friday also served as the kickoff for the national sale of tickets for the Royal Bank Cup. Prior to the weekend, tickets were only available to Weyburn Red Wings' season ticket holders.

The ticket package is valued at $160, and includes 10 round robin games, both semi-final matches and the gold medal game.

It can be purchased in one payment, or through a $50 deposit and two $55 payments before Nov. 30 and Jan. 31. Tickets are not available through the Red Wing office.