NHL Exhibition Game Announced

The Bluenose League has signed a three year pre‐season hosting agreement with the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League. The agreement includes the Panthers full training camp in Port Hawkesbury for September 2009 and a pre‐season exhibition game against the Ottawa Senators at the Halifax Metro Centre on September 15th. The Bluenose League was created by MacDonnell Cultural Productions with a mission to position the Maritimes as the home of NHL pre‐season hockey. Florida Panthers General Manager, Jacques Martin and Bluenose League President Ralston MacDonnell made the announcement public at a press conference this afternoon in Halifax.

MacDonnell referenced the mission of the league saying, “it will create a sustainable platform that provides a turnkey solution for supporting NHL teams seeking a focused and friendly atmosphere for the players to prepare for the season ahead.”

Panthers GM Jacques Martin highlighted the opportunity to bring his team to Port Hawkesbury by saying, “This is an ideal situation because it gives our team the chance to train at a great facility and allows our players the opportunity to bond together early in training camp. At the same time, it will provide the residents of Port Hawkesbury and Halifax the chance to see NHL hockey in their hometown setting.”

The training camp is scheduled for September 12‐16, 2009. Port Hawkesbury will welcome the combined group of over 50 people including players, coaches, trainers, team management, officials and the Florida sports media. Daily training sessions and inter‐squad matches will be accessible to the public during the training camp. A schedule of public appearances and community outreach activities will be announced later.

Port Hawkesbury Mayor, Billy Joe MacLean said, “The town and our Civic Centre are perfectly aligned with the mandate of the Bluenose leagues’ pre‐season NHL training camps.” Adding that, “residents are excited with the prospect of seeing world class athletes in a hometown setting.”   

The puck will drop with the Ottawa Senators at the Halifax Metro Centre on September 15th. Tickets go on sale shortly for the exhibition game at www.Ticketatlantic.com or by phone at the Ticket Atlantic box office at (902) 451 ‐1221. www.bluenoseleague.com

Trade Centre Limited’s Interim President & CEO, Scott Ferguson, spoke about the significance of hosting NHL exhibition games in the region. “This will be the only opportunity for Nova Scotians to catch NHL caliber play east of Montreal in 2009—not only that, it’s also a great opportunity for both Port Hawkesbury and Halifax,” said Mr. Ferguson. “This is a great example of how attracting and hosting major events should be done. By capitalizing on this multi‐market opportunity for our province and making the most of it, we now have two communities enjoying the many significant benefits of this great event.”

This will be the sixth time the Ottawa Senators have played pre season hockey in Halifax and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ottawa Senators, Roy Mlakar noted, “This game is an opportunity for our team to get back into a community that has been very supportive of the Senators.”

Bluenose League has communicated their plans to all NHL teams and the League executive. Colin Campbell, Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations for the National Hockey League had the following comment on the announcement; "It’s always good when Canadian fans in Eastern Canada can experience National Hockey League players playing, practicing or even enjoying leisurely moments in the Maritimes."

Bluenose has consulted with a number of communities throughout the region to assess hosting capacity. “There has been a great deal of interest throughout the maritime provinces”, added Stephen Antle, Bluenose Program Manager. Community criteria for hosting NHL training camps is incumbent on readily available accommodations, access to arena and training facilities, ancillary recreational or nearby potential for day trips and excursions as well as, local appearances and integration with local schools and charities.

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 The Bluenose League: The Home of Pre‐season NHL Hockey

The mission of the Bluenose League is to position the Maritimes as the home of National Hockey League (NHL) pre‐season hockey. The Bluenose League mission will be achieved when NHL teams are present in the region on a reoccurring basis for their pre‐season activities. The teams are attracted to conduct training camps, rookie camps, exhibition games and related pre‐season activities in communities around the region.

Bluenose League works with communities, teams, the NHL, major event venues, sponsors and other stakeholders to establish a viable sport hosting scenario that provides a unique entertainment and cultural experience in the region. Bluenose encourages the development of strong relationships between the Atlantic Canadian host communities and the home of the team and promotes sport tourism travel to both communities.

A typical NHL training camp involves hosting approximately 50‐60 players, their coaches and support staff. Hosting an NHL team would include a team welcome functions, open practices, intra‐squad games, team functions, and community or charity related appearances by players.

The Bluenose League team provides guidance to communities and facilitates building relationships with NHL teams. Once established, the league will showcase the region as a superior sport hosting area and a fall tourist attraction.

The Bluenose League is a project of MacDonnell Cultural Productions headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The project aligns with the MacDonnell corporate philosophy of stimulating activities that have cultural and economic value. Bluenose League will direct part of its resources to support parenting and early literacy programs in the region.

For more information contact:
Stephen Antle
Bluenose League
(902) 425-3980
www.bluenoseleague.com