Oshawa Announces New Ownership Group

Oshawa Generals Press Release:

The Oshawa Generals are pleased to announce a change in their ownership structure.

Rocco Tullio has agreed to terms and conditions with John Davies to acquire his remaining shares of the Oshawa Generals, and he now welcomes two new partners as owners – former National Hockey League star Adam Graves and former OHL coach and manager Peter DeBoer.

"I'm thrilled that both Adam and Peter, whom have been long time friends of mine, are now partners,” Tullio said. “To own one of the most storied franchises in all of the CHL, along with great family friends, is a dream come true for me.

“Adam and Peter bring further stability to this organization. Our players can only benefit from their tremendous knowledge of the game as they look to further develop their careers.

“This new dynamic ownership will simply reinforce our values and commitment to winning on and off the ice, for not only the players, but also for our loyal fans and for the city of Oshawa. This is truly an exciting new day for everyone involved with the Generals and one more piece of the puzzle towards bringing a championship to this great city of Oshawa.”

Tullio, 42, is the chairman of Rock Developments in Windsor, a real estate development company, and operates three Lifestyle Family Fitness Centres in the city. He bought into the club with former owner John Davies before the start of last season and completed a deal with Davies to become principle owner this past week.

Graves and DeBoer are both graduates of the Ontario Hockey League and were teammates on the Windsor Compuware Spitfires from 1985-88 culminating in an OHL championship

DeBoer was the General Manager and Coach of the Kitchener Rangers, who won the Ontario Hockey League championship in 2008, and was recently hired as head coach of the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League.

The 40-year-old DeBoer compiled an outstanding record of 539-226-60-31 in 13 seasons as an OHL coach with the Detroit Whalers, Plymouth Whalers and the Rangers. He won an OHL title and the Memorial Cup with the Rangers in 2003.

”I am excited and honored to be joining a cornerstone franchise of the CHL,” DeBoer said. “It’s the premier development league in the world, a place where I was given an opportunity both as a player and coach.”

Graves, 40, had an outstanding 16 season career in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers and San Jose Sharks, playing in over 1100 NHL games, winning the Stanley Cup in Edmonton in 1990 and New York in 1994. Graves was considered one of the premier forwards and hardest working players of his era. Graves is employed by the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League in their Hockey and Business Operations.

“It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this great organization, joining a long standing tradition of excellence,” Graves said.

“It is a pleasure for me to officially welcome Adam Graves, former NHL star, and Peter DeBoer, championship winning coach and manager, as the two new partners with Rocco Tullio of our beloved Oshawa Generals,” said Mayor John Gray. “Both Adam and Peter bring with them a tremendous knowledge of the game. With Rocco’s business savvy, this is a dynamic team that will give the Oshawa Generals the ability to bring back a championship to this great hockey club and our city.”

“As the oldest OHL hockey franchise, the Oshawa Generals and their loyal fans have reason to celebrate – GO GENS GO! It is a great day for hockey and a great day for our city,” exclaimed Mayor John Gray.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am shocked to see Peter DeBoer get back into the OHL this fast. You would think he would wait a few years before becoming an owner. Fan590 in Toronto is reporting that former Toronto Maple Leafs coach will become the new Oshawa coach. DeBoer and Maurice are good friends ever since they played in the OHL. I told a friend yesterday that there's another connection here. Paul Maurice will most likely coach John Tavares who will either go 1 or 2 in next year's NHL Draft. The team that's the most interested in Tavares is the Maple Leafs. As mentioned before Maurice was the last Maple Leafs coach.

Nathan Fournier

(Nathan also is a writer for MVN.com. He's the writer for the Asylum which covers the Lewiston Maineiacs of the QMJHL. He's also a regular contributor to the NHL Source also at MVN.com. He can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)