Wednesday, September 29, 2010

MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP A FINANCIAL SUCCESS

Press Release

Brandon, Manitoba – With the start of another Western Hockey League season upon us, the Local Host Organizing Committee for the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup is now in a position to release financial figures from one of, if not the most successful Championship to ever be hosted in Brandon.

While the 11-day Championship had a significant economic impact on western Manitoba, Host Committee Chairman Jeff Cristall is pleased to report that the event was also a financial success for the Canadian Hockey League.

From the beginning, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Brandon put in place an $800,000 guarantee to the Western Hockey League as part of the bid process in the fall of 2008. After weeks of review, Cristall is happy to announce that the event was able to cover the guarantee, without having to call on help from either the City or the Province.

“We are also pleased to announce that as a result of this tremendous event, the CHL, WHL and the Local Host Committee have donated well over $40,000 to charity,” says Cristall. “$30,000 was raised from the sale of the Memorial Cup jerseys (worn by the Wheat Kings) and will be donated to the Canadian Legion Dominion Poppy Fund…and close to $15,000 will be donated to the Shilo Military Family Resource Centre.”

Presentations to both recipients were made by Cristall and WHL Commissioner Ron Robison prior to the Wheat Kings’ Home Opener Friday night at Westman Place against the visiting Regina Pats.

In addition to the economic impact to the community and the donations to local charities, the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup enabled the City and Province to make significant improvements to the Keystone Centre. As a result, Westman Place now has private suites, a fantastic video scoreboard and significant improvements to the arena’s dressing rooms.

In making the announcement, Cristall went on to thank the WHL and CHL Board of Governors for their support and vision, the 900 volunteers that stepped up and made sure that no stone was left unturned in ensuring it was the best MasterCard Memorial Cup ever, Dan Robertson and the team at the Keystone Centre as well as the Wheat Kings who helped to provide some lasting memories by upsetting the Calgary Hitmen and earning a berth into the Championship Final.

“Hosting the MasterCard Memorial Cup has been a fantastic experience for all of us,” says Cristall, “and the fact that it was also a financial success makes it that much better.”

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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