Wednesday, September 30, 2009

4th Annual Showcase draws close

Press Release

The 4th Annual MJAHL Showcase is set to take place in Summerside this weekend at Credit Union Place and Scouts will have plenty of young talent to observe over the three day, eleven game event. Last year's event was also held in Summerside, drawing numerous scouts from all levels with many of those in attendance being from both NCAA and CIS programs.

And as the action unfolds on the ice over the weekend, League President Derryl Smith explains that in addition to putting the league's skaters on display, the league gains the opportunity to accomplish other tasks. "First, it's a great way for all of the teams to get to see each other very early in the year", says Smith. "As well, having the Showcase in this facility allows us to very easily and comfortably conduct league meetings on site. At the same time the weekend will be used as an opportunity to choose the MJAHL All-Star squad that will play exhibition games in Summerside leading up to the start of the World Junior A Challenge. Quite simply, the unique ability of this location to offer so many conveniences makes for an exciting weekend from an on-ice perspective while also allowing the league to complete some important work."

This year's Showcase offers no less in the way of skills to be put on display and by placing the event back at the beautiful Credit Union Place scouts, fans and players are again provided with the best experience that can be offered for a weekend of exciting MJAHL hockey. Even better for fans of Junior A Hockey is the fact that this year's event offers incredible value in the way of ticket pricing. Fans planning to take in the action will be offered day passes for all games on any given day for the ticket price of one regular Summerside Western Capitals game. In addition, holders of World Junior A tickets will be allowed to take in Showcase action free of charge.

"The idea behind these offerings is to maximize promotion of the MJAHL and Junior A hockey in this region", explains Event and Program Development Manager JP Desrosiers. "Through events like the Showcase and the World Junior A event, the City of Summerside is working to provide as much exposure for Junior A hockey in the Maritimes as possible."

Desrosiers, like Smith, also adds that the venue offers many conveniences for all who attend and feels that teams and scouts will enjoy an enhanced experience over last year's Showcase. "I feel we've definetely added some details that will be appreciated. One big additon over last year will see teams enjoy all of their post game meals at our recently opened buffet restaurant. Overall I think we have things set up so that the players, scouts and fans will feel appreciated."

Action begins on Friday at 2pm as Miramichi takes on the Lumberjacks, followed by a 4:30pm game between Truro and Dieppe. The main event for Friday night will see the Caps host the Mariners at 7:30pm. For tickets, call (902) 432-1234 or visit www.city.summerside.pe.ca

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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