Windsor awarded 2009 OHL All-Star Game

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE

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Windsor Awarded 2009 OHL All-Star Classic

The Ontario Hockey League is pleased to announce that the Windsor Spitfires and the City of Windsor have been selected to host the 2009 OHL All-Star Classic. The decision was made at the OHL Governor and General Manager meetings conducted earlier this week in Collingwood, Ontario. The OHL Executive committee reviewed various proposals from a number of OHL teams before awarding the event to the Windsor Spitfires. The Windsor Spitfires and the City of Windsor will host the 2009 OHL All-Star Classic at the brand new, state-of-the art, 6,500 seat Greater Windsor Recreation and Sports Centre.

“It is a tremendous honour for the Windsor Spitfires and the City of Windsor to have the opportunity to host the 2009 OHL All-Star Classic. We would like to thank the OHL for selecting us amongst a number of strong bids put forth by teams from around the league today,” commented Windsor Spitfires President and Head Coach Bob Boughner, “this will provide us with the unique occasion to showcase the Windsor Spitfires and the City of Windsor in our brand new facility by hosting an event of this magnitude. We look forward to welcoming the best players in the OHL and putting together a first-class event that will be remembered by the people of our community for many years to come.”

OHL Commissioner David Branch offered his thoughts on Windsor’s appointment to host the 2009 OHL All-Star Classic, “the presentation made by the Windsor Spitfires ownership group was extremely well done and well received by the OHL. We are excited to be part of the new energy in Windsor. The City of Windsor and the Greater Windsor Recreation and Sports Centre are fitting places to showcase the best junior aged hockey players in the world in one of the best junior facilities in the world.”

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis shared his views on the importance of hosting the All-Star Game in Windsor, "this is very exciting news for our City and the Windsor Spitfires. Hosting the 2009 OHL All-Star Game will be a significant economic impact to our local economy and it will provide us another positive opportunity to promote our team, facility and our City."

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