Tuesday, September 15, 2009

More Memorial Cup packages coming back to Brandon

Press Release

Toronto, Ontario - The Canadian Hockey League has delivered some great news to western Manitoba hockey fans hoping for the opportunity to purchase tickets to the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

The CHL announced Sunday that 350 MasterCard Memorial Cup ticket packages have been turned back to the Wheat Kings in an effort to help meet local demand.

Up until today, the CHL was holding 1,800 tickets for sponsors, the three major junior leagues, the National Hockey League and CHL teams. The Wheat Kings have currently sold over 3,300 Season Tickets for the 2009-10 campaign. However, until Sunday's announcement was made, only the first 3,302 had the option to guarantee their seat for the 4-team Championship, scheduled to be played in Brandon from may 14-23rd.

"The Canadian Hockey League is very pleased to respond to the sales demand for additional ticket packages for the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup" said CHL President David Branch. "As a result of the overwhelming support shown by the Brandon community and its fans, the CHL is excited to release an additional 350 ticket packages for this prestigious event."

Sunday's announcement by the CHL means that up to 3,652 western Manitoba hockey fans can now guarantee their seat to the MasterCard Memorial Cup by purchasing a Wheat Kings' Season Ticket. All MasterCard Memorial Cup ticket packages must be paid in full by October 15th, 2009.

"This is great news for our fans," says Wheat Kings' general manager and head coach Kelly McCrimmon. "We now have the ability to sell 350 more Memorial Cup packages locally and with two weeks until our home opener, we think there will continue to be great demand for season tickets."

"We thank the Canadian Hockey League for recognizing the fans of Western Manitoba," McCrimmon went on to say.

Fans interested in purchasing a Wheat Kings' Season Ticket, which at $9 per game (based on Adult tickets) are the most affordable in the WHL, are encouraged to call the hockey club at 726-3535. 2009-10 Season Tickets are $325 for Adults and $175 for Youth (18 and under).

For the first time in history, the Wheat Kings have earned the right to play host to the MasterCard Memorial Cup. This will mark the first time that Manitoba has hosted the National Championship and it also comes during the province's 140th Anniversary Celebrations.

2010 will mark the Wheat Kings' fifth Memorial Cup appearance, having competed for the title in 1949, 1979, 1995 and 1996.

On the ice, Brandon finished up its 4-game WHL schedule this weekend by splitting a home and home series with Moose Jaw. The Wheat Kings finished their exhibition schedule with a 3-1-0 record and will now begin preparations for their regular season opener on Friday night in Prince Albert. Brandon's Home Opener is Friday, September 25th against Swift Current.

Tickets to the 2009 Coca Cola Home Opener are on sale at the Keystone Centre box office, located in the Pioneer Lounge. Fans can also order online at ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 726-3555.

(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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