Rocket to Re-Brand for 2013-2014 Season
August 22, 2012 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
P.E.I. Rocket News Release
Announced at a press conference this morning, the PEI Rocket are undergoing a name change and the actual naming process is being opened up to Rocket fans across Prince Edward Island.
The original naming of the "Rocket" was derived from the connection Serge Savard Sr. had with Maurice "The Rocket" Richard and the team was playing out of the Rocket Richard Arena in Montreal at the time. The idea of rebranding was one of the first things discussed amongst Serge Savard Sr, Serge Savard Jr and Trent Birt when Birt took over as VP of Operations. The decision was made due to feedback from the community that a name change was desired due to the lack of connection or identity with the name "Rocket". However, the decision was delayed because of numerous changes taking place throughout the organization.
Within the past 14 months there have been numerous personnel changes throughout the organization, the team has had an increased team presence in the community, this year marks the 10 year anniversary of the Rocket and the team feels it has a good core group of players to develop the competitive team fans have been waiting for.
Rocket management feels that it is important to be engaged in the community and have a strong identity inside and outside of the rink. They feel they're building for a bright future on the ice and this process of rebranding is taking them one step closer to forming a stronger bond with the community as a whole. This is emphasized through the Rocket President and Governor who says "Rebranding is something we have discussed for a while. We know how important it is to the people in the community and we are appreciative and respectful of the people's views on this. We think the timing is right now because it coincides with all of the other positive changes we've made. I am really excited for the future of this organization on and off the ice." Through allowing the people of PEI to name the team, the intended the message is that team management is truly committed to being PEI's team.
The naming process, in detail, is as follows:
August 23 to September 5 - People can submit the name they would like to see the team carry by filling out a ballot at any Tim Horton's PEI location or throught the Rocket website at www.peirocket.com/rename_your_team.
September 6 to 19 - People can vote on the three entries with the most submissions. Voting can be done at Tim Horton's or at the Rocket website.
September 21 - The new team name will be announced at the Rocket home opener versus the Moncton Wildcats
The new name and rebranding of the Rocket will be for the 2013-2014 season.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from August 22, 2012
- QMJHL and the support of its players: the Commissioner corrects the facts alleged in the media - QMJHL
- Olympiques Make Cuts - Gatineau Olympiques
- Screaming Eagles Announce Two Additional Cuts - Cape Breton Eagles
- Rocket to Re-Brand for 2013-2014 Season - P.E.I. Rocket
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.
