OHL Announces Intentions to Bid to Host the 2005 MasterCard Memorial Cup

Toronto – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that five OHL Member Teams have filed their intention to bid to host the 2005 MasterCard Memorial Cup. The Barrie Colts, Erie Otters, Kitchener Rangers, London Knights and Sarnia Sting will make presentations to the 2005 MasterCard Memorial Cup Site Selection Committee on April 21, 2004 in Toronto.

In recognition of the continued growth and increased requirements for hosting the MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament, the OHL Board of Governors amended the awarding process when it is hosted by the OHL. The successful host centre will be announced during the week of May 3, 2004 and its delegates will travel to Kelowna, BC for a site visit during the 2004 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

The 2005 MasterCard Memorial Cup Site Selection Committee is comprised of Paul Beeston, former CEO of Major League Baseball, Frank Bonello, Director of Central Scouting for the National Hockey League and Brian O’Neill, Consultant for the National Hockey League. OHL Commissioner David Branch and league council Gord Kirke are non-voting members of the committee.

2005 MasterCard Memorial Cup Site Selection Critical Path

February 2, 2004 – OHL Member Teams submit their intention to bid

April 21, 2004 – Bid presentations made to the Site Selection Committee

Week of May 3, 2004 – Announcement of the host site for the 2005 MasterCard Memorial Cup