Thursday, July 26, 2012

ROYALS AND BC HOCKEY ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

Press Release

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals are proud to announce that they have signed a three-year agreement with BC Hockey in conjunction with the South Island Royals.

The deal will see the former South Island Thunderbirds renamed and rebranded as the South Island Royals. The agreement will allow the Royals to develop players in the Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island region for future participation in the WHL.

“We are very pleased to have partnered with BC Hockey,” General Manager Cameron Hope said. “Helping in the development of hockey players from the South Island is one of the priorities of our organization. This partnership allows us to have an impactful presence with the South Island Royals by having a member of our coaching staff serve as the team’s head coach. It’s a part of our commitment to building a successful program for the Royals and a strong and lasting relationship with BC Hockey.”

The direct link between the two clubs will be through the assignment of one of the WHL Royals’ assistant coaches to the head coaching role of the South Island Royals. The WHL team and its staff will also serve to mentor staff and team officials of South Island, and when possible participate in player development training sessions and practices. The agreement will also allow for cross participation between the two clubs when it comes to on-ice and off-ice sessions, allowing the WHL Royals to take part in South Island practices as part of injury rehabilitation and skill development.

“BC Hockey is excited by our partnership agreement with the Victoria Royals. It will enhance our offerings to the players in the South Island Region, giving them the opportunity to develop at an elite level and play out of a Major Junior facility in the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.” said Major Midget League Chair Randy Henderson.

The Major Midget Royals will practice and play out of the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre to ensure there is minimal conflictions between the two clubs. Beyond the coaching and on-ice benefits the South Island Royals will also receive other unique opportunities and services including the use of the Royals’ Fitness and Training Facility on occasion, a dedicated dressing room when available, internet management, media relations and other resources that the WHL team can provide.

The BC Hockey Major Midget League provides elite level competition for 15, 16 and 17-year-old players in the province of British Columbia. It also provides players with the necessary development to play at the Western Hockey League, Junior A and Junior B levels of hockey. Each team has the opportunity to compete for the National Midget Championship.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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