Memorial Cup Logo to be Unveiled at Public Rally
Published on January 26, 2011 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Saint John Sea Dogs News Release
SAINT JOHN - Due to overwhelming response from season-ticket holders and the public, the Saint John Sea Dogs are organizing a rally to officially launch the campaign to host the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup.
With the five-member independent selection committee slated to visit the Port City on Feb. 9, the team had initially planned to host a gathering of season-ticket holders at the Imperial Theatre. Interest from the general public has been so great that the bid committee has decided to replace the planned Imperial Theatre event with a larger community rally to show the entire city's enthusiasm for hosting the national major junior hockey championship.
This public launch will be held Feb. 2 in the atrium of Brunswick Square from 5:30 to 6 p.m., just before Saint John's home game against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.
"Sea Dogs fans have really let us know how proud they are to see the city considered as a host for this high-profile event," said Sea Dogs president Wayne Long. "We have the greatest fans in junior hockey, and so many want to be involved with this bid process in some way. We came up with the idea of a community rally to give everyone a chance to show their colours and wow the selection committee."
This rally will include the public unveiling of the Saint John 2012 logo, and will be videotaped as part of a package presented to the committee demonstrating why this great city would make a perfect Memorial Cup host. Fleaburn and Sea Dogs players will be on hand to give away T-shirts, and fans are encouraged to come wearing Sea Dogs jerseys or other blue clothing.
"We have a first-class experience planned for the MasterCard Memorial Cup selection committee, and having this rally will just show the members of the independent committee how enthusiastic and committed Saint John is to hosting this tournament," said Ron Marcolin, chair of the 2012 Memorial Cup bid committee.
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 Feb. 2 to show their support for this major national event.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from January 26, 2011
- Juniors Win Streak Ends in Bathurst - Montreal Juniors
- Memorial Cup Logo to be Unveiled at Public Rally - Saint John Sea Dogs
- CHL Announces BMO CHL MasterCard Top 10 Rankings - QMJHL
- Take 5 with Lewy's Legion - East Coast Sign & Design - Lewiston MAINEiacs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
