Ravens Insider
September 3, 2003 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Vancouver Ravens News Release
On behalf of our entire organization and all of our fans and supporters, the Vancouver Ravens Lacrosse Club is proud to congratulate the Victoria Shamrocks on their Western Lacrosse Association championship. Congrats to those Ravens who played during the summer season and helped the Shamrocks advance to the Mann Cup: Captain Darren Reisig, Grant Hamilton and Bruce Alexander. Good luck in the upcoming Mann Cup, which begins September 5th at Archie Browning Arena in Esquimalt, B.C. and pits the Shamrocks against the Ontario Lacrosse Association senior champions.
NATIONAL LACROSSE LEAGUE ANNOUNCES NEW PHOENIX FRANCHISE
The National Lacrosse League this week announced the relocation of the Columbus Landsharks to Arizona in a new partnership with the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League. The team will begin play there for the 2003-2004 NLL season, with a brand new arena in Glendale, Arizona as its home. The Arizona franchise will join the Vancouver Ravens in the newly-aligned Western Division.
The move brings one of Canada's greatest athletes and national icons, Wayne Gretzky, into the National Lacrosse League as part of the Phoenix Coyotes organization, which will serve as Managing Partner of the NLL franchise. Gretzky, himself Managing Partner of the Coyotes, is one of many past and present NHL players who played indoor or "box" lacrosse while growing up in Canada. "I played lacrosse while growing up in Ontario," said Gretzky. "It's a fast, exciting game that's very similar to hockey. I know our fans will love it."
RAVENS TO BE PART OF SIX-TEAM WESTERN DIVISION
With the relocation of existing franchises in Columbus, New Jersey and Albany to Phoenix, Anaheim and San Jose, respectively, the Vancouver Ravens will play the upcoming National Lacrosse League season in a new six-team Western Division. The Western Division will include the Ravens, the Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Phoenix, Anaheim and San Jose. The Eastern Division will be made up of the defending champion Toronto Rock, Philadelphia Wings, Buffalo Bandits and Rochester Knighthawks.
NATIONAL LACROSSE LEAGUE SCHEDULE TO BE ANNOUNCED THIS MONTH
The NLL's 2003-2004 regular season schedule will be announced in the next two weeks. It will be a 16-game schedule, with all eight Ravens home games being played at General Motors Place in downtown Vancouver. The Ravens are pleased to announce that they will host four games Friday nights at General Motors Place and four as Sunday afternoon matinees. The NLL regular season will begin the weekend of December 27, but the Ravens' home opener is expected to be in early January.
PRE-SEASON PLANS
The Ravens are already laying the groundwork for their pre-season schedule. Details will be announced in September, but for Ravens Insiders, expect the following: 1. Training camp to begin in late October at Sportstown BC in Richmond; 2. At least one pre-season exhibition game to be played in British Columbia, in early December. The Ravens are looking to repatriate the Northern Cup in Prince George in early December. It was a big smash in our inaugural season in November of 2001, with more than 4,100 fans in attendance at the MultiPlex in PG. That game, the first ever played by the Ravens, was also our first franchise win (over the Calgary Roughnecks).
NLL ENTRY DRAFT
With the Collective Bargaining Agreement expiring on July 31, 2003, the NLL and the Professional Lacrosse Players Association are in negotiations on a new CBA. The NLL Entry Draft will be held soon after such negotiations are completed. When it does, the Ravens go into it with TWO FIRST-ROUND SELECTI ONS, including FIRST OVERALL. Kudos to the great work of Paul Dal Monte, Director of Lacrosse Operations, Dave Evans, General Manager and Dr. Dave Lough, Assistant GM and Director of Scouting. "We've been proud, as an expansion team, to make the playoffs in each of our first two seasons, but it's time for us to make the leap from playoff team to championship contender," said Evans.
DON MUSGROVE WINS SEASON TICKETS FOR EARLY RENEWAL!!!
Don Musgrove of Vancouver, BC is the lucky winner of our Early Renewal Sweepstakes Draw! Don was one of many Ravens Season Ticket Team Members who renewed early (and paid in full) and was eligible for the draw to win his own seats for our 2003-2004 NLL season at General Motors Place. Brandi Wilson, Director of Sales & Marketing for your Vancouver Ravens, thanks all season ticket members who took advantage of our early renewal process this year. If you have not protected your seats and priority number with a deposit yet, please call Brandi at 604 899 5307 or e-mail at bwilson@vancouverravens.com ASAP as relocation begins Tuesday September 9th, 2003.
COULD YOU USE FREE TICKETS, FREE PARKING AND FREE ACCOMMODATIONS?
Well, we've considered you for this years referral program. As our fans and season ticket holders, you are the important link between our Ravens and our communities. We recognize your continued support and hope these rewards demonstrate our appreciation.
-Refer 2 season ticket equivalents and we'll give you 2 complimentary Bionda Gold tickets to our 2003/04 regular season home opener. -Refer 4 season ticket equivalents and we'll buy you an underground parking spot at GM Place for all Ravens 2003/04 regular season home games! -Refer 8 or more season ticket equivalents and we'll provide you with a hotel gift certificate - our treat!
Please keep in mind that rewards are cumulative and there are limited tickets, parking spots and hotel gift certificates available. Feel free to call Brandi anytime with questions or comments.
NEW SALES CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER
With strong renewals, new sales and an active presence at more than 30 events during the BCLA box lacrosse season, the Ravens have had a sunny but busy off-season this year. Things will shift into high gear later this September when the NLL announces its 2003-2004 regular season schedule and the Ravens reveal some great new introductory offers for new season ticket holders.
National Lacrosse League Stories from September 3, 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.
