QMJHL launches its 38th season on the Internet
Published on September 11, 2006 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) News Release
BOUCHERVILLE, Qc, Monday, September 11, 2006 - The Commissioner of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Gilles Courteau, officially launched the circuit's 38th campaign today, during a live Internet broadcast on the League's official web site.
The Commissioner began the event by announcing a three year contract extension with telecommunications giant TELUS, the League's Major Partner and title sponsor. "We're very happy to have TELUS as the League's Major Partner," expressed Mr. Courteau. "TELUS is a leading national telecommunications company in Canada and with its support, we will have a great season!"
Furthermore, Mr. Courteau announced that Rouyn-Noranda and Val-d'Or will be the hosts of the 4th instalment of the ADT Canada-Russia series in late November. On Monday, November 20, a group of QMJHL all-star players - admissible to take part in Team Canada's World Junior Hockey Championship training camp - will face-off in Rouyn-Noranda against a Russian delegation of players. The series will continue the following night in Val-d'Or before the Russian team heads west to battle the OHL and WHL all-star teams.
"We're very happy to be hosting the first instalment of the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge," declared Pierre Cloutier, the Governor of Rouyn-Noranda. "It's great for the community, as it provides the region with some added visibility. Also, it enables our fans to see the League's elite class of players."
Val-d'Or Foreurs President Louis Blanchette is also looking forward to the event. "We can't wait. Although we'll never be able to host an event like the Memorial Cup due to our space constraints, we're very excited to be hosting the second game of the ADT Canada-Russia series."
The Commissioner also touched on the growing importance of the Internet, describing it as a crucial asset in the promotion of the QMJHL and its teams. Then, his focus shifted to the lack of adequate arenas in a number of existing markets, reminding both the provincial and federal governments of the need for additional renovations and funding to sustain the growth of hockey.
Finally, Mr. Courteau wished the best of luck to Claude Julien, Alain Vigneault and Ted Nolan, all products of the QMJHL coaching ranks at some moment in time, who were hired by NHL clubs over the course of the summer.
Marc Savard, the President of the Board of Governors congratulated the Moncton Wildcats and the Quebec Remparts for their championship titles, while praising League franchises on their continuing efforts to enhance the quality of the product on the ice.
The 2006-07 campaign starts this Thursday, September 14, as the President Cup defending champion Wildcats host the Acadie-Bathurst Titan at Moncton Coliseum. The Commissioner will be on hand to drop the puck for the inaugural face-off and to oversee the raising of the Wildcats' regular season and playoff championship banners.
Once again this year, the reinforcement of the officiating standards on interference, obstruction and hooking will be a priority in order to offer fans a fast, more intense and exciting brand of hockey. As such, the two referee system will be implemented in half of the 630 regular season games, while the playoffs will feature the two referee system throughout. The regular season ends on Sunday, March 18, as all 18 teams will be in action to close out their 70 game campaigns. As for the playoffs, the first round starts on Friday, March 23, while the President Cup final takes off on May 4.
This year, the prestigious Memorial Cup tournament heads west to Vancouver (WHL). The champion of each of the three CHL Leagues, along with the hosting Vancouver Giants, will battle for the championship from May 18 to May 27.
Moreover, the QMJHL will enshrine into its Hall of Fame, on Wednesday, April 4, four great and influential personalities who have left their mark on League history. On the same night, the best players, coaches, general managers and teams will be honoured as part of the Golden Puck Awards Gala. The event is presented by RDS.
The Drummondville Voltigeurs are scheduled to host the QMJHL 2007 Annual Session from Wednesday, May 30 to Saturday, June 2. The last day of the Annual Session is reserved for the Entry Draft, which will be held at the Marcel-Dionne Center. "We look forward to welcoming the QMJHL and its teams to the 2007 Annual Session in Drummondville," declared Sylvie Fortier, the Director of Operations with the Voltigeurs.
Furthermore, the QMJHL is delighted to count Comfort & Quality Hotels as well as Subway and Via Rail among its sponsors. Moreover, Reebok is back as the official supplier of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and its teams, offering a complete range of hockey equipment products, as well as apparel and accessories. The Commissioner is also happy to announce the continuing partnership with Firethorn; a Canadian-based company specialized in golf-wear.
As for the Canadian Hockey League's partners, they include: ADT, CGC, NAPA, MasterCard, Home Hardware, Reebok, Air Canada, BMO, Gatorade, Go RVing, Tim Hortons and Subway.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from September 11, 2006
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- QMJHL launches its 38th season on the Internet - QMJHL
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