Lakehead University, Lakehead Athletics, and Thunderwolves Hockey are very proud to announce that Lakehead has won the right to host the 2009 & 2010 CIS University Cup Mens National Hockey Championships. Lakeheads proposal won over a strong bid by The University of New Brunswick, who had hosted the championships in 2003-04. Both national championships will be held in Thunder Bay in March and will be presented primarily by T Bay Tel along with the strong support of the other fantastic companies, organizations, and the fantastic fans in Thunder Bay that have been key to the success of Lakehead hockey.
Lakehead Athletic Director Tom Warden said Lakeheads successful bid is excellent news for Lakehead and the City of Thunder Bay. I am elated that the CIS committee chose Lakehead University and Thunder Bay to host the Nationals. Thunder Bay is a great hockey city with fantastic fans, and the fans have always come out in full force to support our games. It is well known that we have the highest attendance for varsity hockey in Canada and this is all due to our fabulous fans!
Lakehead hockeys five years of operation has been an incredible success story; seeing the team make it to the national championships twice and winning the OUA Queens Cup and taking silver at the nationals this season. The Wolves have led the CIS in mens hockey attendance in each of their five seasons and are second in overall CIS home attendance to Lavals mens football program.
Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert said Lakehead and Thunder Bay will be a proud host in 2009 and 2010. I am pleased that the efforts of our proposal team have been successful. This was made possible because of the contributions of our private sector partners and our major sponsor, T Bay Tel. It would be nice if Thunder Bay had a new multiple-use entertainment facility in place by 2009.
Ken Esau, Acting President and CEO of TBayTel, said hosting the nationals is an outstanding opportunity for Lakehead, the city of Thunder Bay, and sports in Northwestern Ontario. We congratulate Lakehead University Thunderwolves Hockey for being selected to host the CIS Nationals in 2009/2010. At TBayTel, we are privileged to support the Thunderwolves as they continue to play a significant role in inspiring our residents to invest in sporting activities and healthy lifestyles. Because our market is our home, our commitment to building a strong community is fundamental to TBayTel.
Rory Cava, President of the Thunderwolves Varsity Hockey Corporation, said fan support has been integral to Lakeheads success and will also be key in 09-10. We are really pleased and excited to host the CIS University Cup. It is a tribute to our program and to our great hockey fans. It was only with the support of our fans and corporate partners that we were able to submit the winning bid. The Thunderwolves hockey program has grown into one of the elite varsity hockey programs in Canada.
Warden said Lakeheads successful bid is tremendous news for Lakehead University and the City of Thunder Bay, and reflects a lot of hard work by everybody involved with Lakehead Hockey over the past five years. He added, Id like to thank all those who worked on this effort it was truly a wonderful piece of collaboration, and it has obviously paid off. We are very excited to start the work, added Tom Warden.
For further information, please call Lakehead SID Mike Aylward at 344-7025. Tom Warden is available for interview by calling him directly at 343-8213.