Lakehead University Wins CIS Bid to Host 2009 & 2010 Hockey Championships

(Thunder Bay, June 20, 2006) Lakehead University, Lakehead Athletics, and Thunderwolves Hockey are delighted and very proud to announce that Lakehead University has won the right to host the CIS Men's National Hockey Championships for 2009 and 2010. Lakehead University's proposal won over a strong bid by the University of New Brunswick, who had hosted the championships in 2003-2004. The championships will be held in Thunder Bay in March of 2009 and 2010, and will be sponsored primarily by TBayTel, along with strong support from other organizations that have been key to the success of Lakehead University hockey.

"I am elated that the CIS committee chose Lakehead University and Thunder Bay to host the Nationals," says Tom Warden, Director of Athletics, Lakehead University. "Thunder Bay is a great hockey city with fantastic fans, and the fans have always come out in full force to support our games. It is well known that we have one of the highest attendance at varsity hockey in the country."

According to Fred Gilbert, President of Lakehead University, "I am pleased that the efforts of our proposal team have been successful. This was made possible because of the contributions of our private sector partners and our major sponsor, TBayTel. It would be nice if Thunder Bay had a new multiple-use entertainment facility in place by 2009."

When alerted of the win, Ken Esau, Acting President and CEO of TBayTel, said: "We congratulate Lakehead University Thunderwolves Hockey for being selected to host the CIS Nationals in 2009/2010. Bringing together Canada's top university men's hockey teams is an outstanding opportunity for the Thunderwolves, our community, and sports in Northwestern Ontario.

"At TBayTel, we are privileged to support the Thunderwolves as they continue to play a significant role in inspiring our residents to invest in sporting activities and healthy lifestyles. Because our market is our home, our commitment to building a strong community is fundamental to TBayTel," Ken Esau continued.

Adds Rory Cava, President of the Thunderwolves Varsity Hockey Corporation, "We are really pleased and excited to host the CIS University Cup. It is a tribute to our program and to our great hockey fans. It was only with the support of our fans and corporate partners that we were able to submit the winning bid. The Thunderwolves hockey program has grown into one of the elite programs in Canada."

Lakehead University Director of Athletics Tom Warden said Lakehead's successful bid is tremendous news for Lakehead University and the City of Thunder Bay, and reflects a lot of hard work by all involved with Lakehead Hockey over the past five years. He adds, "I'd like to thank all those who worked on this effort - it was truly a wonderful piece of collaboration, and it has obviously paid off. We are very excited to start the work," added Tom Warden.

For further information, please call Mike Aylward at 344 7025. Tom Warden is available for interview by calling him directly at 474-8333.