By Tim Schmitt<br><a href="mailto:tschmitt@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Tim</a>
Those at Niagara University have insisted their plan is to turn Dwyer Arena into a world-class facility. If an upcoming nod from the World Junior Hockey Championships is any indication, the rink is already there.
Officials from USA Hockey will be in town on Monday and are expected to announce that Western New York will be awarded the 2011 tournament, one that will bring the world’s top players under 21 years of age. Nearly all the current National Hockey League stars have represented their respective countries in past tournaments, including Sabres star Thomas Vanek.
If the area is awarded the prestigious event, Dwyer Arena is expected to house all secondary action, including at least one game with the Canadian team, while the main venue will be HSBC Arena. The 10-day tournament would be a huge draw for the area.
Although USA Hockey is holding off on an official announcement, spokesman Dave Fischer told Channel 7 that no such press conference is scheduled for Grand Forks, N.D., or Minneapolis. Those two cities were also announced as finalists for the event.
Those on the list of expected guests at Monday’s press conference include Sabres owner Tom Golisano, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, as well as Dave Ogrean and Jim Johannson of USA Hockey.
