Memorial Cup Chair to be Introduced at Rally
February 1, 2011 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Saint John Sea Dogs News Release
SAINT JOHN - As part of Wednesday's public rally in support of the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup bid, the Saint John Sea Dogs will announce the well-respected community leader who would serve as chair of the tournament.
The Sea Dogs, in partnership with Country 94/97.3 The Wave, are organizing a rally before Wednesday's game against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan to launch the campaign to host the national major junior hockey championship.
Wayne Long, president of the Sea Dogs, said he is looking forward to revealing the name of the tournament chair, as well as publicly unveiling the Saint John 2012 logo.
"It was key to get a strong community leader with experience in running national and international events," Long said. "We feel we've got somebody to lead the charge and who has the credentials to back it up. We'll be thrilled to introduce and announce the person at our rally."
Beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Centre Court at Brunswick Square, the rally will feature The Wave's Dan Coulton as master of ceremonies. The festivities will be videotaped as part of a package presented to the five-member committee that selects the host city, which is slated to visit on Feb. 9.
"We're excited to be part of this public rally. Landing the MasterCard Memorial Cup would be huge for our city. We want to do everything we can to help bring this event to Saint John, and we encourage all Saint Johners to come out and join the fun," said Kathy Saunders, promotions director for Country 94/97.3 The Wave.
Sea Dogs players and mascot Fleaburn will be on hand to give away T-shirts, and fans are encouraged to come wearing Sea Dogs jerseys or other blue clothing.
The tournament is set to return to Quebec Major Junior Hockey League territory for 2012, and Saint John is one of four cities bidding to host the event. The selection committee will also visit Halifax, Sydney, N.S., and Shawinigan, Que., before announcing its decision in the early spring.
Sitting No. 1 in the Canadian Hockey League national rankings, with a Canada-best nine players ranked by NHL Central Scouting for the 2011 NHL draft, the Sea Dogs boast an unparalleled on-ice product. Combined with outstanding hotels, the uptown pedway system, and a welcoming community, the local bid committee believes Saint John would be the ideal host.
All members of the public are invited to attend the public rally to show their support for this major national event.
In the case of extreme weather conditions forcing Brunswick Square to close, the rally would be postponed to a later date.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from February 1, 2011
- MAINEiacs Double up Cataractes, 4-2 - Lewiston MAINEiacs
- Memorial Cup Chair to be Introduced at Rally - Saint John Sea Dogs
- Game Day with Shawinigan - Lewiston MAINEiacs
- No requests for sale or relocation submitted to the League - QMJHL
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