Posted Feb 3, 2011, 4:21 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
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JOHN TRAVIS NAMED 2012 MEMORIAL CUP CHAIR
Feb 02, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
SAINT JOHN – More than 300 dedicated Saint John hockey fans braved the winter weather Wednesday to show their support for the city’s bid to host the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup.
The Sea Dogs, in partnership with Country 94/97.3 The Wave, hosted a rally in Centre Court at Brunswick Square, where team president Wayne Long announced respected community leader John Travis would chair the tournament. Travis, an investment adviser and branch manager of CIBC Wood Gundy`s Saint John office, was president of the host committee for the Ford World Curling Championships held at Harbour Station in 1999.
“He brings with him a wealth of experience,” Long said. “John’s credentials are second to none and we couldn’t be more thrilled that he will lead our 2012 Memorial Cup if we are successful in landing the event.”
Travis, a Saint John native, was educated in Rothesay and later received a bachelor of business administration from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. He has volunteered actively for various Saint John community associations including the Saint John Board of Trade, The Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative and the Rocmaura Foundation as well as for the New Brunswick and Canadian Curling Associations.
“The biggest factor that led me to accept this position is past experience,” Travis said. “Working with people and volunteers on other events in the city has only made me believe how committed the citizens of Saint John are to showcasing their city and proving to everybody that we are certainly world-class and we don’t take a backseat to anybody.”
Saint Johners certainly showed that, turning out in droves to Brunswick Square, and delivering several rousing chants of “We Want the Cup!” led by Long, Travis, and MC Amy Clark of The Wave.
Sea Dogs players Aidan Kelly, Jason Cameron and Jason Seed were on hand to sign autographs and award free tickets to lucky fans. Mascot Fleaburn also joined in the fun, handing out Saint John 2012 T-shirts, including some signed by Sea Dogs players.
The event was capped by the unveiling of the Saint John 2012 logo, which features a military theme showcasing Martello Tower and silhouettes of military personnel past and present.
“It’s called the Memorial Cup and it’s dedicated to all fallen Canadian military personnel,” Long said. “We wanted to really accentuate that, something that shows we’re serious about honouring and recognizing the military, our veterans, and our armed forces. We certainly know from Gagetown firsthand the sacrifice that they give and the risk they take every day representing and protecting our country and fighting for freedom.”
Footage of the rally will be shown to the independent five-member selection committee, which will visit Saint John Feb. 9. The tournament is set to return to Quebec Major Junior Hockey League territory for 2012, and Saint John is one of four cities bidding to host the event. The selection committee will also visit Halifax, Sydney, N.S., and Shawinigan, Que., before announcing its decision in the early spring.
Sitting No. 1 in the Canadian Hockey League national rankings, with a Canada-best nine players ranked by NHL Central Scouting for the 2011 NHL draft, the Sea Dogs boast an unparalleled on-ice product. Combined with outstanding hotels, the uptown pedway system, and a welcoming community, the local bid committee believes Saint John would be the ideal host.
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