Four Nations helps drive for team: Breen

The success of an international hockey tournament in St. John's last week should help the city get its own junior team, a city councillor says.

Nearly 30,000 bought tickets for the eight-game Four Nations Cup tournament in St. John's, with a sold-out crowd at Mile One Centre cheering Canada on to victory in the championship game.

"I think it reconfirms that St. John's is a viable market for hockey ... and in the right situation hockey will be viable here," said Coun. Danny Breen.

"It drew very well over the games that were there," said Breen, adding that Mile One also had box office success with a world junior training camp and an AHL exhibition game. "I think it's a positive sign for hockey in the city."

Mile One has not had an anchor hockey tenant since the St. John's Fog Devils was sold to a Quebec owner in 2008.

Negotiations to attract a team have been under way for months. Breen said a decision could be made in March.

Ryan Robins, events manager for Hockey Canada, said he was impressed with the interest from the crowds.

"We've had a couple of afternoon games and it's awfully tough with work and school, but overall it's been really good crowds," he said.