Ravens Insider
July 10, 2003 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Vancouver Ravens News Release
The Vancouver Ravens Lacrosse Club is moving quickly on its plans for the coming National Lacrosse League season at General Motors Place. We're currently focused on completing our season ticket renewals and building on our fan base through new season ticket sales, but there's no question we're also excited about a number of other developments, at the level of both the franchise and the league.
Some of these developments are outlined below as part of this edition of your RAVENS INSIDER. We'll continue to keep you up to date throughout the summer as we set the stage for another great season of NLL professional lacrosse.
We wanted to confirm that we have officially declared to the National Lacrosse League our formal intention of playing our third season as the Vancouver Ravens, with our home venue at General Motors Place in downtown Vancouver. To this end, we have met all NLL league dues and assessments and have posted a Letter of Credit in the amount of $50,000 U.S. as per league by-laws and constitution.
Our next step is to submit our playing dates for home games at General Motors Place, which we will do by the end of the month. We expect to have the NLL regular season schedule finalized and announced in September.
For those of you interested in our refinancing of the franchise for long-term success here in Vancouver, I can also confirm that we have adopted a consortium-style investment structure, not unlike that of several of the NLL's most successful franchises, including the defending champion Toronto Rock, the Philadelphia Wings and the newest kids on the block, the new San Jose franchise. The full refinancing of the Vancouver Ravens is expected to be completed on or before September 30th, 2003.
Thank you for your continued support of and interest in the Vancouver Ravens and the National Lacrosse League.
Sincerely yours,
Tom Mayenknecht, Governor
Vancouver Ravens Lacrosse Club
MSA Sportworks Entertainment
BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETINGS APPROVE ALL-STAR GAME CONCEPT
The National Lacrosse League Board of Governors voted to institute an annual NLL All-Star Game, beginning with the 2003-2004 season. The game will be held in mid-season, with precise dates and venue to be announced by the NLL this summer. The Vancouver Ravens have indicated to the NLL that we intend on applying to host either the 2005 or 2007 NLL All-Star Games - with the intention being that the annual All-Star Games are rotated between the U.S. and Canada in alternating years.
PAUL DAL MONTE NAMED ALTERNATE GOVERNOR
Paul Dal Monte of Burnaby, B.C., the Head Coach & Director of Lacrosse Operations for the Vancouver Ravens, has been named an Alternate Governor for the franchise. He joined Governor Tom Mayenknecht at the recent Board of Governors meetings, which were held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
SPIRIT TOUR 2003 GIVING RAVENS GRASSROOTS PRESENCE
We're not even half way through the summer, but SPIRIT TOUR 2003 has already hit more than 30 events throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. On some weekends, the Ravens were represented at up to six events, most notably minor lacrosse tournaments where players such as Dwight Maetche, Chris Gill, Dan Stroup, Rich Catton, Bruce Murray, Robbie Williams, Scott Whitley, Luke Ansley and Matt Dwane have turned out to sign autographs for young fans.
RAVENS SPONSORING BCLA PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Vancouver Ravens are pleased to announce their role as a presenting sponsor of the 2003 BCLA Minor Lacrosse Provincial Championships, to be held in Hope/Salmon Arm (C-level provincials), Prince George (B-level) and Burnaby (A1 and A2) later this month. As a player-centered benefit of their partnership with the BCLA, the Ravens will be joining forces with the provincial association in recognizing all of the players whose teams merited the rights to advance to the minor lacrosse provincial finals in Hope, Salmon Arm, Prince George and Burnaby. Expect a considerable amount of Bionda Gold, Spirit Red and Raven Black to be worn with pride at the conclusion of each provincial championship.
RAVENS LOOKING TO FRIDAY NIGHTS AND SUNDAY AFTERNOONS IN YEAR THREE AT GENERAL MOTORS PLACE
Some advance notice for Ravens season ticket holders and those interested in half season tickets: We plan to host four Friday night games at General Motors Place, plus another four games as late afternoon matinees on Sundays. For more information on our plans, please contact Brandi Wilson, Director of Sales & Marketing, at (604) 899-5307 or e-mail her at bwilson@vancouverravens.com.
DAL MONTE AND EVANS PREPARING FOR NLL ENTRY DRAFT
Not content to have qualified for the playoffs in each of our first two seasons as an NLL expansion franchise, the Vancouver Ravens are working hard to become annual contenders. Paul Dal Monte and General Manager Dave Evans, along with Assistant General Manager and Director of Scouting Dr. Dave Lough, are planning and preparing for the 2003 NLL Entry Draft, which will be held in August. The good news for season ticket holders and avid Ravens fans is that Vancouver currently holds two first-round draft picks - including first overall (obtained by trade from the New Jersey Storm in 2001).
WE'RE LOOKING FOR THE RavenIDOL for 2004!
More than 20 candidates aged 13 to 17 have been nominated for the RavenIDOL 2004 search initiated by the Vancouver Ravens NLL franchise. Candidates will audition this summer and fall for the chance to be "signed" by the Ravens and dress for one home and one road game in January of 2004, PLUS win a lacrosse scholarship for $1,000.00. The first round of auditions will take place in conjunction with the BCLA minor lacrosse provincial championships later this month.
National Lacrosse League Stories from July 10, 2003
- Ravens Insider - Vancouver Ravens
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.
