Tourism Sarnia-Lambton (TSL) says nearly $4 million in economic revenue was generated from the 2024 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge.
The economic impact came from spending at hotels, restaurants, and travel.
Highlights from the event were presented during TSL's Annual General Meeting on Thursday, May 29.
Executive Director Mark Perrin said $1 million of the amount was just from hockey teams.
He added the additional $3 million came from fans, stakeholders, and families.
"$4 million in our local economy from that event creates not only from a region standpoint such a huge success but also gives us that extra revenue when we talk about how big 2024 was," Perrin said.
In September, Perrin expected the hockey challenge to generate between $4 million to $5 million.
Some totals are still being calculated from the event.
Perrin said the proceeds will be able to support all 10 minor hockey associations in Lambton County through a legacy fund.
"That was the goal. What it can do to not only bring in economic success for our communities but then also how it can leave a legacy," he said.
Each minor hockey association is expected to get $2,000.
A formal announcement and cheque presentation is anticipated to be held this fall.
Perrin believes the U-17 Hockey Challenge helped Sarnia-Lambton top the southwestern Ontario region with a 9.3 per cent hotel occupancy increase from 2023-2024.
"We basically had three weeks of people staying here before, during and after the tournament and that's just huge on what it does for how many hotel rooms. We were basically sold out in Sarnia-Lambton especially in Sarnia and Point Edward for hotels throughout that tournament," he said.
Perrin said the organization continues to look for big opportunities to bring to Sarnia-Lambton.
"We need to be providing what those big major things are to get people to travel. It's great we have natural elements like beaches and waterfront," he said. "Those natural elements attract people but on a big stage people are looking for major activities to do, so our job is to see what we can bring to the region."
The hockey challenge was held from November 1 to 9 and saw Canada White win the gold medal game.