Monday, December 14, 2009

Dawson Creek Rage Launches in 2010

Press Release

(Dawson Creek, BC) – Today marks a pivotal day in Junior Hockey in Dawson Creek with the
DC Rage Hockey Society announcing that they have officially joined the North American
Hockey League (NAHL) and will play their first game starting in September 2010. The
recruitment of a general manager and hockey operations begins immediately.

"After three years plus, I am excited to say we finally made it!" said Pat Rorison, co-founder of
the group that brought the financial backing together to get the team going. "Many people
have worked hard to bring a franchise to Dawson Creek and are excited about bringing Junior
“A” hockey back to our community."

Work is already underway on establishing the team, recruiting the senior staff and players.
Hockey camps are planned for August 2010 and the season begins in September. With 31
league games a year (including exhibition games), teams from all over the western United
States will visit Dawson Creek. The EnCana Events Centre facility will be the official hockey
base for the team and work has begun on the incredible opportunities for the local business
community to play a part in Canada's newest hockey club.

"Given the community’s passion and the ownership group’s commitment building a
successful organization, both on and off the ice, we're confident Dawson Creek will instantly
be one of the premier junior hockey markets in all of North America,” said NAHL
commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “The ownership’s blueprint will unquestionably add to our
rich tradition of developing student-athletes for college and professional hockey and we’re
excited with the prospects of having them part of our league."

The City of Dawson Creek has made a financial commitment towards the partnership with the
DC Rage Hockey Society (a non-profit society) and the EnCana Events Centre. The support
includes financial assistance of $250,000 in the first year, $225,000 in the second year and
$200,000 in the third year. These funds will defray the startup costs and will be offset by
increased revenue from the EnCana Events Centre. There is a strong business case towards
supporting the Hockey Society as a major tenant at the EnCana Events Centre.

"The City is excited about the team moving ahead; it's very positive news and shows how the
community can work together for over 3 years to make this team a reality. It is truly a fantastic
partnership." said Mike Bernier, Mayor of Dawson Creek. "Not only will we see an anchor
tenant in the EnCana Events Centre, this hockey team will help create a hockey excitement
and identity in our community. It will also provide opportunities for young hockey players
throughout the peace region to someday dream about wearing a DC Rage sweater and
playing at a higher hockey level."

"I am excited to have a main tenant in the EnCana Events Centre starting in the fall of 2010.
This will bring many positive benefits to the facility and community. Having another 31
events at the Centre will balance out our already aggressive events schedule. This is great
news for the community and the region" stated Ryan MacIvor, General Manager of the
EnCana Events Centre.

(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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