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OHL Oshawa Generals

Graves And Deboer Join Tullio As Owners

January 4, 2010 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Oshawa Generals News Release


Oshawa, ON - The Oshawa Generals officially announced an ownership structure change on Sunday, effective immediately.

Generals principal owner Rocco Tullio is pleased to announce that former NHL star Adam Graves and current Florida Panthers coach Peter DeBoer have acquired the ownership shares in the Ontario Hockey League franchise formerly held by John Davies, thus joining him in the club's ownership group.

"I appreciate all that John Davies has done for the Oshawa Generals and his contributions to our franchise over the years," Tullio said. "I now look forward to working with my long-time friends Adam and Peter as we continue the tradition of excellence that has been established here in Oshawa by the Generals."

Tullio and Graves and their families were on hand at the General Motors Centre on Sunday to drop the puck before the Generals game against the Belleville Bulls.

"It is with great pride that Peter and I join this storied organization," Graves said. "It's a return to the OHL for us, where Pete and I began our careers. We are delighted to be a part of such a great tradition."

Tullio is the chairman of Rock Developments in Windsor, a real estate development company, and operates three Lifestyle Family Fitness Centres in the city. He bought a one-half interest in the club from former owner John Davies in September, 2007.

One of the top power forwards in his playing career, Adam enjoyed a distinguished NHL career from 1987 to 2003.

A two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Edmonton Oilers in 1990 and the New York Rangers in 1994, Graves earned respect throughout the league for his goal scoring ability and hard work ethic throughout his entire career. He also did tireless work off the ice for charity during and after his playing career ended.

Born in Toronto, Graves joined the Windsor Spitfires in 1985-86 and was drafted 22nd overall by the Detroit Red Wings at the 1986 NHL Entry Draft after playing in the Memorial Cup with the Spitfires.

He went on to appear in 1,152 NHL games, scoring 329 goals and adding 287 assist for 616 points. He scored 52 goals in the Rangers Cup winning season of 1993-94, and won both the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.

Graves is presently special assistant with Prospect Development and Community Relations for the New York Rangers. The club retired his No. 9 jersey in February, 2009. He and his family live in Oakville.

DeBoer is currently in his second season as Head Coach of the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League. Prior to that, he was the General Manager and head Coach of the Kitchener Rangers, who won the Ontario Hockey League championship in 2008.

DeBoer compiled an outstanding record of 539-226-60-31 in 13 OHL seasons with Detroit, Plymouth and Kitchener. He also won the Memorial Cup with the Rangers in 2003 and was a teammate of Graves with the Spitfires from 1986-88, playing in a Memorial Cup with him in 1988.

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