RIMOUSKI SCORES
Rimouski, QC – November 15, 2007 – With confidence and enthusiasm, the Océanic of Rimouski officially announces that the team is entering the race to host the prestigious Memorial Cup tournament which will be held May 15th through May 24, 2009. The governor of the Océanic Hockey Club of Rimouski, Camille Leblanc, submitted a letter of intent to Gilles Courteau, Commissioner of the QMJHL, on October 25th.
Hugues St-Pierre, the chairman of the Organizing Committee and a fervent hockey enthusiast and committed Océanic fan from the start, says he is proud to be working with the four honorary presidents who so brilliantly marked the history of this young team of the QMJHL. They are all star players who developed their skills in Rimouski and who are now helping to make history with the NHL. The honorary presidents who will be in the line-up with Mr. St-Pierre are Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards, Michel Ouellet and Sydney Crosby. The four stars accepted their role with tremendous enthusiasm and confirm that they will give all their support to assure the success of the event.
“The two years I spent in Rimouski were memorable ones. The performance standards of that organization are comparable to those of the major professional teams. There’s no doubt that Rimouski can host a prestigious tournament like the Memorial Cup,” said Sydney Crosby.
According to the president of the Organizing Committee, “Our offensive line will be able to score some points to make Rimouski the big winner of this contest and will provide unequalled visibility and credibility for the Canadian Hockey League and the city of Rimouski.”
“This opportunity to host a high-calibre national tournament could provide $10 million in economic benefits for Rimouski, in addition to incredible visibility for the city for at least thirteen months,” said Camille Leblanc, governor of the Océanic team. “A project of this size will require a lot of input,” he added, “and we are proud to be able to count on a great team that has been working flat out since the beginning of the summer to promote Rimouski’s assets in order to be selected to host this prestigious hockey event.”
To help it attain its ultimate goal, the Océanic team has already gained the support of many regional and municipal organizations and also has the unconditional support of its fans. All the fans of the team are invited to show their support for the Organizing Committee’s efforts in the next few weeks.
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This can be done in two ways:
1.By signing a petition on the website of the Océanic (www.oceanic.qc.ca), or during games, as well as some other locations (see the attached list);
2.By signing up to become a volunteer for the event on the website.
Hugues St-Pierre summarized the challenge for his committee, saying, “Above all, the Océanic of Rimouski is the team of a whole region, and the 2009 Memorial Cup will be a tournament for the whole region!”
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Mario Arsenault, Executive Director, Sales and Marketing
Océanic of Rimouski | 418-723-4444
