Tuesday, October 4, 2011

THREE NEW RINKS OPEN IN OHA

Press Release

The OHA is very pleased to announce that three new arenas have opened their doors to junior hockey teams in the Association for the start of the 2011-2012 season.

The Cobourg Cougars Jr. A Hockey Club are enjoying their new home at the Cobourg Community Centre in the Main Rink. The 2,000 seat arena is a great new venue for any junior hockey team and the perfect place for the Cougars to play for years to come. They had their grand opening on Monday September 12th and a packed arena was able to watch their home team play to a 5-4 win over the Whitby Fury to kick things off in their new home.

“While there is no denying it was absolutely great for the club to win its first ever regular season in its new home on behalf of the community, the night was very special for a number of other reasons,” said Cobourg Cougars President Marc Mercier.

The Cougars opened their new home with OHA President Brent Ladds as well as League Commissioner Marty Savoy, being actively involved on the red carpet for the pre-game festivities.

“The Cougars organization has worked extremely hard over the past five years to become a leader in Canadian Junior Hockey and this Community Centre is further evidence that Cobourg, its fans, its sponsors and the extended community are very much alive and well and poised for success for many years to come,” said Ladds.

While the Cougars in Cobourg were delighted in their new facility opening, another team of Cougars in Schomberg were excitedly awaiting the opening of their new facility.

In Schomburg the new Trisan Centre has opened up just in time for the local Jr. C Hockey Club, the Cougars to start their new season. The new Trisan Centre boasts a NHL size rink complete with seating for 600 fans and standing room for another 100. The new centre also has a number of multi-purpose fitness rooms, a fitness centre, a walking and running track and free WiFi. The Cougars had their grand opening on Thursday September 15th and did not disappoint their local supporters. They took their home opener in style, winning 6-2 over the Fergus Devils.

The Schomberg Cougars took to the ice on the 15th in front of a packed crowd; OHA President Brent Ladds was in attendance for the event.

“I congratulate the Cougars and Council for being proactive in the development of the concept that ultimately materialized in the construction of a building that will create future leaders within the community, and create a positive environment for your current social and special interest groups. Healthy bodies support healthy minds, which result in competent leadership from which communities grow and thrive. Your efforts will be rewarded in the years to come,” said Ladds.

The Ayr Centennials Jr. D Hockey Club is very excited about moving into their brand new North Dumfries Community Complex. Their arena boasts a bowl style seating area for viewing games on their new NHL size rink. The arena has a walking/running track around it with natural light from windows all around the arena helping to light the ice surface for afternoon games. The Complex also boasts a community gymnasium as well as a Health Care Centre and a number of meeting rooms.

The Centennials have their own separate entrance into the complex with brand new offices and a laundry room. The dressing room has plenty of room that will allows the players room to change in their own stalls. The Centennials will play their home opener in their new facility on Sunday September 25th at 1pm.

“Everyone loves this new facility,” Said Ayr Centennials General Manager Larry Brown. “The players enjoy coming to the rink to either work out or just to hang out, we feel much more professional and it has rubbed off on everyone involved with the hockey club. The Community will enjoy this facility for years to come.”

The OHA would like to extend its sincere congratulations to the Cobourg, Schomberg and Ayr communities on their new facilities. It is our hope that your junior teams produce some fantastic hockey in these new arenas for years to come.

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

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