OHL Niagara IceDogs

IceDogs Bid to Host ADT Canada/Russia Challenge Game

Published on July 4, 2008 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Niagara IceDogs News Release


St. Catharines, Ontario - The Niagara IceDogs have made a formal bid to the OHL in hopes of hosting one of two games set to be held in Ontario for the 2008 ADT Canada/Russia Challenge. In existence since 2003, the challenge consists of six exhibition games in which a team of Russian Junior all-stars will compete against CHL all-stars representing each of the three regional leagues. All-star squads from the OHL, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will each play and host two games against the Russians, with the OHL splitting their host sites between an Eastern and Western Conference team. Last season, the IceDogs were represented at this event by Luca Caputi, Stefan Legein, Alex Pietrangelo, and Matt Corrente.

The IceDogs made a formal presentation in June to the OHL's Board of Governors to host the event and have since made the short list. Despite concerns over the size of the Gatorade Garden City Complex, the history of junior hockey throughout the Niagara Region, combined with the passion and commitment of the IceDogs fans has made this a definite possibility.

As a follow up to the IceDogs presentation and official application, the following is a copy of a letter sent from IceDogs Owner and Governor Bill Burke to Ontario Hockey League Commissioner David Branch:

Hi David,

First off, I can't thank you enough for entertaining the Niagara IceDogs as a possible host for the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge Game, November 20, 2008, (which is our regular home game, so it would be easy to accommodate). I know our rink here in St. Catharines doesn't adhere to the minimum seat requirement of 5,000 spectators, but I believe that what we do have to offer will well outweigh the number of seats in the facility. What we have come to recognize since our inaugural season is the passion for the game that exists in this area. The Niagara Region is rich in hockey history, and our fans have been starved for the opportunity to enjoy Major Junior Hockey back in their town. Our arena may only hold 3,200 spectators, but I can assure you that with the spirit of this community, it will sound like there are 6,400 people cheering!

With regards to the 28 page document of requirements, we are able to fill all the needs of the CHL except for the following, but I feel we can supply suitable solutions. Unfortunately we don't have private boxes in our arena, but Denise and I have 22 premium seats behind our player's bench, which we would be glad to give up for the CHL use. We would sit somewhere else, or stand if necessary. We also don't have a press box to accommodate the additional 30 media people. Our existing press box can be used for the TV and radio coverage and for our local media, but for the additional media requirements, we can set aside 30 seats hooked up with internet and power, similar to how Ottawa handled the additional media at the NHL draft last weekend. With regards to television coverage, any changes that need to be made to our facility to accommodate will be gladly undertaken because the exposure of this event not only across Canada, but Europe as well is priceless to showcase the host city of St. Catharines and the entire Niagara Region.

In spite of our shortfalls, look at what we have to offer in Niagara that would be unparalleled in any other host city across the OHL. We can organize tours of our local wineries, take the players to Niagara Falls where they can enjoy a ride on the Maid of the Mist, or organize golf outings on one of our many championship golf courses. David, I really need you to understand the passion of the people in this area. They have supported and embraced us during a time of many economic hardships, what with the closing of the CanGro Canning Facility and the uncertainty of GM. They still come out in droves to support the IceDogs and support Major Junior Hockey here in Niagara. I assure you they will be great hosts and great ambassadors to not only the OHL, but all of Canada as well.

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