MJAHL Network
Sponsors
Stay Tuned!

Fan Zone

Caps to play first two games of Fred Page Cup in Summerside


Friday, April 17th 2009Caps to play first two games of Fred Page Cup in Summerside

NANCY MACPHEE
The Journal Pioneer

  SUMMERSIDE -- The Summerside Western Capitals aren't done playing at home quite just yet.
A deal has been inked with the Fred Page Cup host committee for Credit Union Place to host two games.
The games featuring the Maritime Junior 'A' Hockey League-champion Capitals will be staged Wednesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m.
"It couldn't be more thrilling," said JP Desrosiers, the city's event development officer, moments after the deal was sealed Thursday afternoon.
"We know deep down that we're one of the best junior 'A' hockey league sites in Canada.
"It's another opportunity for the Caps to play before a great hometown crowd, hopefully have two wins and keep that momentum going for the semifinals and final games that will be happening in Moncton."
The Caps take on the winner of the Central Junior Hockey League final between Pembroke and Nepean on Wednesday, and the Sherbrooke Cougars from Quebec on Thursday.
Talks of having Credit Union Place as a satellite venue for the Eastern Canadian junior 'A' championship began immediately after the Caps' Kent Cup victory over Truro in Summerside on Tuesday night.
MJAHL league president and Kinkora native Derryl Smith - who witnessed the atmosphere at that game and the almost 4,300 fans who filled Credit Union Place - negotiated the deal with the host committee.

Leagues give go-ahead
He got the go-ahead Wednesday night from the Quebec and Ontario leagues before signing the deal.
"Traditionally, afternoon games don't draw," said Smith.
"Only being an hour away, we thought by moving it to Summerside it would just enhance the experience for the kids.  "Instead of playing in front of 300 fans, they'll be playing in front of probably 3,000 or 4,000 fans."
Smith said having Summerside host the games could help secure Credit Union Place as host venue for the 2011 Royal Bank Cup.
"We're hosting the world juniors in conjunction with the Credit Union Place in November, so it just goes for more credibility," he added, referring to the World Junior 'A' Challenge.
"It's great for the league. It's great profile. It's great for the fans."
Desrosiers believes the games will be sellouts.
"They wouldn't have had that opportunity if they had of played in Moncton," he added.
Asked if a monetary incentive was offered in the deal, Desrosiers would only say, "It's a partnership that benefits both sides."
Smith, when asked the same question, said: "I'm not sure exactly what the incentive was, but, financially, they'll be a lot better off.
"I'm sure there is a certain percentage."

nmacphee@journalpioneer.com
© Summerside Western Capitals 2008 - MJAHL Real-Time scoring system developed & maintained by Avid Media Ltd.