MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 18, 2017 The Bracebridge Pioneers Hockey Team Home Opener at the Bracebridge Memorial Arena BRACEBRIDGE, ON – On September 30th at 7:00 p.m. the puck drops at the Bracebridge Memorial Arena as the newly formed Bracebridge Pioneers Hockey Team host their inaugural home game. The Bracebridge Pioneers Hockey Team, play in the Canadian Premier Junior Hockey League (CPJHL). The CPJHL is entering its second season of operation this fall under the sanctioning body of the United Hockey Union, a branch of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The CPJHL was formed when a group of existing and new owners responded to the ever increasing desire of players to play in a league which will enhance their plans to be college-bound hockey players. The CPJHL was designed to fill the role of increasing competitiveness, commitment to the junior hockey player and to provide a recruiting ground for NCAA, NJCAA and CIS college coaches. The league is governed by an impartial Commissioner, and all team owners are highly involved, working together to ensure the success of all players. Established in 2011, the United Hockey Union is the midget/junior ice hockey branch of the Amateur Athletic Union and the Amateur Athletic Union is an organization based in the United States and was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. During its early years, the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the U.S. in the international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic Games. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU has focused its efforts into providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grass roots level. The philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by approximately 700,000 participants and over 150,000 volunteers. Mr. Bernard Cheverie, Owner and Head Coach of the Bracebridge Pioneers stated “my intention is to build a successful, long term Canadian Premier Junior Hockey team in Bracebridge. I am very excited about moving to Bracebridge and building a strong hockey program for players who want to further their careers. My success and experience coaching in the Maritime Hockey League and in European Hockey Leagues is well suited to building a successful team in Bracebridge”. Last season Mr. Cheverie coached the Montague Stallions to the NB Senior Championship and he has scouted hockey players for Major Junior teams, pro leagues and NHL teams. Mr. Cheverie explains, “I have been in contact with every level of College hockey to notify them of our new team and advise them that our goal is to prepare players to play at that level”. Currently, Mr. Cheverie is a Player Agent/Advisor. He is focused on player development; helping players that need time to grow and develop their skill set to achieve their goals of playing at a higher level such as Major Junior, Semi-Pro, U.S. College and Canadian Universities. Mr. Cheverie wants to develop relationships which support businesses and the community, knowing that the sport of hockey is Canada’s sport and one of Bracebridge’s favourite games. Assistant Coach Brad Lewis is from Newfoundland and played defence in the QMJHL and the OHL. Mr. Lewis is working on finding families in Bracebridge willing to billet and host the new Bracebridge Pioneers players. “It takes a strong team of hockey loving individuals to put the club together, we need committed people to act as support staff, trainers, travel coordinator, music – announcer and media spokesperson” says Lewis. The Bracebridge Pioneers Hockey Club is committed to operating a first rate junior hockey team that the community will be excited about and will be here for years to come. The CPJHL is a developmental league, where many players begin their junior careers. As a developmental league, every player participates in 2 to 4 practices per week with one weekly practice focused solely on individual skill development. It is this developmental stage of the player’s life where adjustments to the playing style at a higher level of hockey and maintaining academic excellence requirements of one’s collegiate futures must co-exist. The CPJHL’s mission is to fully prepare every player to achieve their personal hockey and life goals. Watch for further details about the teams schedule and special events planned in the coming weeks. A website for the Bracebridge Pioneers is days away from being launched and will include exclusive details MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 18, 2017 The Bracebridge Pioneers Hockey Team Home Opener at the Bracebridge Memorial Arena about additional player development, game tickets, volunteer and staff opportunities and team merchandise for sale. Individuals and families interested in billeting players or being involved in team operations are encouraged to contact Mr. Cheverie. - 30 - For further information contact: Bernard Cheverie, Owner/Head Coach – 1-902-978-1029 Email: [email protected] or Don Campbell, Manager of Facilities – 705-645-1921 Ext. 226 Email: [email protected] About Bracebridge – The Town of Bracebridge is located in the Heart of Muskoka, the epitome of Canada’s Cottage Country. With a population in excess of 16,000 permanent residents that doubles during the summer months, the community has a diversified economy that is highlighted by strong construction, hospitality and professional sectors. Bracebridge is the steward of the cottage country brand and is teaching the world the power of living the Muskoka lifestyle in its spirit, the arts, food, home and recreation. The Town is positioned on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and is recognized as Santa’s summer home. .