04/27/2015, 9:00am EDT By NOJHL Communications
NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
NOJHL MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Monday, April 27, 2015
Kirkland Lake to host 2016 Dudley-Hewitt Cup
SUDBURY – The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League has announced that the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners and the town of Kirkland Lake will serve as the host of the 2016 Dudley-Hewitt Cup Central Canada Jr. A Championship, April 26-30, 2016 at the Joe Mavrinac Community Complex.
The Sudbury Nickel Barons were originally slated to host the event, however with their relocation to Rayside-Balfour and the lack of community and city support in Sudbury, the project was deemed to be unattainable.
Kirkland Lake is no stranger to the Dudley-Hewitt Cup as the Gold Miners participated in the 2014 event held in Wellington, Ont. Team head coach and general manager Marc Lafleur also competed in the DHC during his Jr. A playing days.
“The NOJHL couldn’t be more pleased with the proposal put forward by the Gold Miners’ organization to serve as host of the 2016 Dudley-Hewitt Cup in Kirkland Lake,” stated league commissioner Robert Mazzuca.
“Planning is already well underway by the Gold Miners executive and their organizing committee and we look forward to working with them, the community, their corporate partners, the fans and citizens of Kirkland Lake in what is sure to be a tremendous event,” added Mazzuca.
As an organization, the Gold Miners are pleased to be given the opportunity to host such a prestigious event.
“This is an exciting time for the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners,” offered team vice-president of business operations Jim Taylor.
“Having won the NOJHL championship last season and having the opportunity to participate in the 2014 Dudley-Hewitt Cup, it allowed or organization to see firsthand what hosting such as event would require and or our group is ready for the challenge as we strive to provide a first class tournament, both on and off the ice,” added Taylor.
“The entire event has the potential to be a boon to the community of Kirkland Lake and our hockey club and we look forward to the challenge.”
The 2015 Dudley-Hewitt Cup begins Tuesday in Fort Frances, Ont., with a berth to the RBC Cup Canadian Jr. A Championship, May 9-17 in Portage la Prairie, Man., on the line for the winner.
Representing the NOJHL at the four-team event will be the Copeland Cup – McNamara Trophy league playoff champion Soo Thunderbirds.
The Thunderbirds begin play Tuesday at 2 p.m. CT/3 p.m. ET vs. the Dryden GM Ice Dogs (SIJHL).
You can follow the Dudley-Hewitt Cup right through to the 2016 event in Kirkland Lake at tournament website at www.centralcanadianchampionship.com.
