HALIFAX, NS – Two Atlantic University Sport institutions are teaming up to submit a joint bid to host the 2015 and 2016 Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) men's hockey championship - the University Cup – in Halifax, Nova Scotia. St. Francis Xavier University and Saint Mary's University are pleased to partner on an upcoming bid proposal, in conjunction with Sports & Entertainment Atlantic (S|E|A).
"Saint Mary's University Athletics is extremely excited about collaborating and working with St. Francis Xavier University Athletics to showcase the best of university hockey in Canada in Halifax," comments Saint Mary's Athletic Director Dr. David Murphy.
"We feel the CIS/AUS, the City of Halifax, the Province of Nova Scotia, both alumni groups and fans of great hockey will benefit from this tournament. We know what a great product AUS hockey is and want to introduce it to a wider audience, we are confident that patrons will not be disappointed. It will be a great show."
StFX Director of Athletics and Recreation and CIS Past President Leo MacPherson echoes Dr. Murphy's comments, stating "StFX Athletics is very excited and energized about the possibility of bringing the University Cup to Halifax as we partner with Saint Mary's and S|E|A in this collaborative venture to showcase CIS men's hockey to our local fans and supporters."
Within the bid proposal, the StFX X-Men, led by head coach Brad Peddle, would be the host team for the March, 2015 championship, while the Saint Mary's Huskies, led by head coach Trevor Stienburg, would be the host team for the 2016 University Cup. Both schools would collaborate and work together as one organizing committee for the two years, guided by S|E|A.
Led by founder and President Derek Martin, Sports & Entertainment Atlantic is the only company of its kind in the Maritime provinces. Their team of experts would guide the organizing committee in all aspects of the organization and administration of the event, including event management, sponsorship sales, consulting and activation services. Chris Larsen, General Manager of the 2003 IHF World Junior Hockey Championships is also on board to serve as the event's General Manager.
"Success in sport and business comes when you recruit a talented team and strive towards a shared vision," comments Martin. "StFX, Saint Mary's and S|E|A working together in partnership gives Halifax a great opportunity to win this bid."
The city of Halifax boasts a successful background in hosting premier hockey championships, including the 2000 Memorial Cup, 2002 Royal Bank Cup, along with the 2003 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and 2003 IIHF World Women's Hockey Championship, which both saw record setting attendance figures. The 2008 IIHF World Men's Hockey Championship in Halifax was the first time ever the event was hosted outside of Europe in the IIHF's 100 year history.
The University Cup was first presented in 1963 and over the 51 year history, the event has never been hosted in Nova Scotia. StFX University successfully hosted the 2006, 2009 and 2010 CIS women's hockey championship in Antigonish, NS and most recently the 2012 CIS women's rugby championship and is looking forward to an innovative collaboration with Saint Mary's and S|E|A in this upcoming venture.
The bidding opportunity blends the strengths of an urban and rural university, while engaging two of Atlantic Canada's largest and most vibrant alumni communities. Both Saint Mary's and StFX field competitive teams in the highly touted AUS men's hockey league.
The Huskies were CIS silver medalists this past season as well as claiming their first and only CIS national title in 2010. They have appeared in the national championship on 13 occasions and four times in the past 11 years. The X-Men have 10 University Cup appearances and were national champions in 2004, as well as silver medalists in 2003 and 2001. Atlantic University Sport schools have won the national title five times in the past 10 years and AUS schools have also played in the University Cup final 10 times in the past 10 years.
Coach Stienburg and Coach Peddle are asking Atlantic Canadian hockey fans to be a part of bringing the biggest hockey event in Nova Scotia to Halifax as they challenge supporters to commit to purchasing advance ticket packages. S|E|A is securing commitments to early bird tournament packages for lower bowl seating for both the 2015 and 2016 events. Interested fans and alumni are urged to contact Christina Aubrecht at christina@seatlantic.ca or 902-444-3773, ext. 5 for further information and/or to secure their seats, in the event of a successful StFX/SMU bid.
The bid proposal is due to the CIS by September 20th, with a decision scheduled to be rendered by early October.
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For more information, contact:
Derek Martin
President, Sports & Entertainment Atlantic
[phone] 902.444.3773, ext 1
[email] derek@seatlantic.ca
Brad Peddle
StFX X-Men Head Coach
[phone] 902.867.2273
[email] bpeddle@stfx.ca
Trevor Stienburg
Saint Mary's Huskies Head Coach
[phone] (902) 420-5131
[email] trevor.stienburg@smu.ca
About Sports & Entertainment Atlantic:
Sports & Entertainment Atlantic imagines and produces memorable experiences that connect our clients with their customers and inspire our community. In its 7th year, S|E|A is the only company of its kind in the Maritime Provinces. Our team of experts provides clients with experience in event creation and management, sponsorship sales, consulting and activation services.
S|E|A is in the experience business and is committed to turning big ideas into viable realities for both our clients and our community, and we don't mind having a little fun along the way. Whether you are a brand looking to engage your target market or a fan looking for your next great experience, we are here to help you find it.