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AHL Toronto Marlies

Leafs Unveil Wall of Fame before a sellout crowd

January 10, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Toronto Marlies News Release


The St. John's Maple Leafs celebrated its 1000th American Hockey League game on Saturday evening before a sell-out crowd against the Toronto Roadrunners. The Maple Leafs became only the 13th AHL franchise to accomplish this feat and in recognition of this the club unveiled its "St. John's Maple Leafs Wall of Fame"

The "Wall of Fame" is designed to recognize outstanding contributions to the Hockey Club. The first inductees to the "Wall of Fame" were Mike Donovan, Bill Watters and Danny Williams. Mr. Donovan and Mr. Watters were inducted during a pregame Ceremony prior to the game on Saturday. Mr. Williams was inducted on Tuesday, January 6. Each of these individuals played an integral role in the operations of the St. John's Maple Leafs.

The team presented each member with a "Wall of Fame" portrait designed by local artist Ray Abbott and a commemorative 1000th Game picture. The portrait of each individual will also be placed on the new "Maple Leafs Wall of Fame" located on the Mile One Stadium concourse near sections 110 and 111.

A brief Bio on each inductee is below.

St. John's Maple Leafs Season Tickets, Molson 3-6-20 Game Packs, Pepsi Family Packs, Aliant Group Sales and single game tickets are currently on sale and may be purchased by visiting or calling the Mile One Stadium box office (709) 576-7657, 1-800-361-4595 or online at www.sjmapleleafs.ca. Box office hours are Monday thru Saturday, 9am – 5pm and Sunday 12noon - 5pm.

ST. JOHN'S MAPLE LEAFS

WALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

MIKE DOVOVAN

Chairman, St. John's Maple Leafs

1991-1999

Mike Donovan was the first Chairman of the St. John's Maple Leafs Board of Directors. He held this title for eight (8) seasons from 1991-1999.

Donovan played a key role in shaping the St. John's Maple Leafs into a model American Hockey League Franchise both on and off the ice, and was looked to for advice when new franchises were accepted into the League.

He also helped develop the club into a community-oriented leader in the sports industry with the development of Leafs Foundation, which has helped give over $1 million back to charitable organizations in the province.

Donovan was a tireless volunteer who always made decisions in the best interest of the organization and was one of the franchise's leaders in extending the Toronto/St. John's contracts during the 1990's.

He also served on the Executive Committee of the Civic Centre Corporation, helping outline the direction of the Maple Leafs, Mile One Stadium and the St. John's Convention Centre before it eventually came under the umbrella of St. John's Sports & Entertainment.

BILL WATTERS

General Manager, St. John's Maple Leafs

1991-2003

Bill Watters served as General Manager and Governor for the St. John's Maple Leafs for twelve (12) seasons from 1991-2003.

Watters looked after the on-ice product for the hockey club over his tenure as St. John's General Manager. Over this span the club made the playoffs in 10 of his 12 seasons, the best streak by any current AHL club. He also posted a .510 winning percentage (408-388-135-29) that included 408 wins.

He was a true friend to the organization and to the province and helped played a key role in ensuring the stability of the relationship between Toronto and St. John's. As a result of his sincere respect for this City and Province, he was one of the main advocates in the building of Mile One Stadium, helping secure the franchise in St. John's.

Watters was well respected at the American Hockey League level, providing invaluable insight and contributions to the League's Board of Governors. As a result of his work he was awarded the 2003 Thomas Ebright Award, award for Outstanding Contributions to the AHL

DANNY WILLIAMS

Vice-Chairman, St. John's Maple Leafs

1991-1999

Danny Williams served as Vice-Chairman for the St. John's Maple Leafs Board of Directors for eight (8) seasons from 1991 to 1999.

Williams was a key member of the organization helping the team to be recognized as one of the premier franchises in the American Hockey League. He was instrumental in shaping the direction of the hockey club, both on and off the ice, including the development of Leafs Foundation.

Williams played a key in role in guiding the club during significant moments including the 1992 City Strike, contracts negotiations extentions with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the eventual development of Mile One Stadium and the franchise's move to Mile One Stadium.

Williams also served on the Executive Committee of the Civic Centre Corporation, helping outline the direction of the Maple Leafs, Mile One Stadium and the St. John's Convention Centre before it eventually came under the umbrella of St. John's Sports & Entertainment.

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