Wednesday marks 50 days until the IIHF Women’s World Championship begins in Utica. One of the premiere women’s hockey tournaments in the world, the 12-day event kicks off on April 3 as the U.S. team looks to capture gold for the second consecutive year.

Before the teams take the ice, organizers held a press conference Wednesday, announcing their plans to enhance the fan experience.

"There needs to be an element of fun," Mohawk Valley Garden President Robert Esche said.

For the first time since 1994, the IIHF Women’s World Championship is returning to New York.

“We’re excited to bring the best women’s players in the world here," said Dave Fischer, chief spokesperson for USA Hockey.

“It means the world to these women," said Esche. "They’re playing for a gold medal, make no mistake about it.”

Ten international teams will aim to win gold in the 12-day event. As the top women’s hockey players face off on the ice, organizers are focused on making the entire experience memorable by opening the Subaru World Championship Village.

“It’s something for the families locally to do. It’s something to embrace the people from out of town, and honor the Olympians that are coming through the doors," Esche said.

The village will be right outside the Adirondack Bank Center, where the games are held. With thousands from all over the world in Utica, the goal is to have a festive atmosphere.

“To see the Ferris wheel, the carnival games, the food and beverage, all those cool festival things come to life...the sights the sounds, all those things that make festivals go, I think, is something everybody is going to be proud of and excited for," he said.

On the ice, the women’s world championship has been dominated by the United States in recent years. The U.S. has won six of the last eight titles, including last year, when they beat Canada 6-3 in the final.

“We have a great team, we have great athletes and we have a great coaching staff and support staff," Fischer said. "I think our team will be among the favorites headed into the world championship.”

“To somebody that’s been following the sport, U.S. and Canada are clearly the frontrunners," said Esche. "What’s been happening in the sport over the course of the last several years, though, is the gap is shrinking.”

The U.S. and Canada have met in the gold medal game in every tournament but one. No matter who wins, they want to give everyone a memorable experience.

“I want to set the bar for the world championship for women’s hockey," Esche said.

Tickets are on sale now at IIHF.com.