St. John’s IceCaps Media Release
ST. JOHN’S, NL – Owner, President and CEO of the Montreal Canadiens Geoff Molson, along with CEO Danny Williams and COO Glenn Stanford of the St. John’s IceCaps, announced today that starting in the 2015-16 season, Mile One Centre will be the new home of the Montreal Canadiens’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate team (currently the Hamilton Bulldogs). Mr. Williams will lease the franchise from the Canadiens organization. The relocation of the franchise has been unanimously approved by the AHL Board of Governors.
“We could not be more thrilled to partner with the Montreal Canadiens and to welcome this legendary hockey organization to St. John’s,” said Mr. Williams. “We have proven within the league that St. John’s is a thriving hockey city, with an outstanding fan base and a great depth of corporate support. We enjoyed a tremendous partnership with True North Sports and Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets, but circumstances have changed and we now look forward to this exciting new partnership. I have every confidence that our fan base and corporate partners will be as enthusiastic about this new arrangement as are management.”
“We are delighted in making St. John’s our new home and look forward to playing in front of fans who have long been Canadiens supporters and who will now have an opportunity to watch our finest prospects as they hone their skills with our AHL affiliate team,” said Mr. Molson.
“Having previously worked with the Canadiens organization in Hamilton for many years, I am excited to welcome them to my hometown,” said Mr. Stanford. “No doubt this will create a whole new dynamic at Mile One Centre in the upcoming season and promises to be an exciting new chapter for our organization and our fans. We want to thank the Jets organization for their outstanding support over the past four years. And I would also like to personally thank AHL President Dave Andrews and the league for working so hard along with us to facilitate this new arrangement.”
The agreement between the IceCaps and the Montreal Canadiens is for two seasons. The name of the St. John’s AHL team will remain the IceCaps and new uniforms will be released in the coming months.
The renewal process for current season ticket holders will begin within the coming weeks (season ticket holders will be informed via email). Those interested in becoming a new IceCaps season ticket holder for the upcoming seasons can do so beginning noon tomorrow by calling the Mile One Centre box office at 709-576-7657 or online at www.mileonecentre.com. Fans that purchase tickets for the six IceCaps home games in April and place a $50.00 non-refundable deposit per seat will be given priority access to season tickets before the general public. The seat selection process for new season ticket holders will begin after the renewal process is complete with current season ticket holders. All other new season ticket inquiries will be placed on a waitlist until after the 2014-15 regular season is over. Fans with inquiries are asked to call the Mile One Centre box office.
Mr. Williams also took time to praise current and past IceCaps players and coaching staff for their contributions in building the franchise in this city.
“We have been fortunate to have some outstanding talent come though this organization and each and every player who has worn the IceCaps jersey has played an invaluable role in building the franchise,” said Mr. Williams.
“They have also been incredible role models within the community and have been both aspirational and inspirational for our young athletes. And of course, the coaching staff and their support team have been just great to work with and we wish them all the very best as they move forward. The current edition of the IceCaps remains in the hunt for a play-off position and I know our fans will continue to support this team as it makes another run for the Calder Cup.”
