FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2009

The Bluenose League has signed a three year pre‐season hosting agreement with the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League. The agreement includes the Panthers full training camp in Port Hawkesbury for September 2009 and a pre‐season exhibition game against the Ottawa Senators at the Halifax Metro Centre on September 15th. The Bluenose League was created by MacDonnell Cultural Productions with a mission to position the Maritimes as the home of NHL pre-season hockey.

Florida Panthers General Manager, Jacques Martin and Bluenose League President Ralston MacDonnell made the announcement public at a press conference this afternoon in Halifax. MacDonnell referenced the mission of the league saying, “it will create a sustainable platform that provides a turnkey solution for supporting NHL teams seeking a focused and friendly atmosphere for the players to prepare for the season ahead.”

Panthers GM Jacques Martin highlighted the opportunity to bring his team to Port Hawkesbury by saying, “This is an ideal situation because it gives our team the chance to train at a great facility and allows our players the opportunity to bond together early in training camp. At the same time, it will provide the residents of Port Hawkesbury and Halifax the chance to see NHL hockey in their hometown setting.”
The training camp is scheduled for September 12‐16, 2009. Port Hawkesbury will welcome the combined group of over 50 people including players, coaches, trainers, team management, officials and the Florida sports media. Daily training sessions and inter‐squad matches will be accessible to the public during the training camp. A schedule of public appearances and community outreach activities will be announced later.

Port Hawkesbury Mayor, Billy Joe MacLean said, “The town and our Civic Centre are perfectly aligned with the mandate of the Bluenose leagues' pre‐season NHL training camps.” Adding that, “residents are excited with the prospect of seeing world class athletes in a hometown setting.”

The Florida Panthers will play their first preseason game against the Ottawa Senators at the Halifax Metro Centre on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. ADT ( 6 p.m. EST).Tickets go on sale shortly for the exhibition game at www.Ticketatlantic.com or by phone at the Ticket Atlantic box office at (902) 451-1221.

www.bluenoseleague.com

Contacts: Stephen Antle (902) 425-3980