HEADLINE

PRESENTING SPONSOR NAMED FOR 2009 PROSPECTS GAME

Thursday, November 19, 2009

PRESENTING SPONSOR NAMED FOR 2009 PROSPECTS GAME

Berdick Windows and Doors, acquired by Grandeur Homes earlier this fall, is joining the Winkler Flyers in presenting the 2009 CJHL Prospects Game early next month. The Dec. 7-9 event will mark the second time in three years that Winkler has hosted the event.

"We are excited to announce our agreement with Berdick Windows and Doors as our presenting partner," said Henry Siemens, chair of the Prospects Event host committee. "They are a strong community leader and we appreciate the support they have given to allow us to host this event."

Berdick general manager John Froese said the firm was pleased to be able to be part of the extensive community support the Flyers receive.

He said that while Berdick will benefit from the exposure the Prospects game brings, they also look upon their participation as a way to provide support for both junior and minor hockey.

"This (playing junior hockey) is a goal for young players," he said, adding that the activities and excitement surrounding the Prospects game and other events will help energize hockey at all levels.

Flyers president Greg Ens termed Berdick's involvement as Presenting Partner as "awesome" and said this involvement will pay dividends for both Berdick and the hockey club.

The CJHL Prospects Game will feature the top 40 junior A players from the CJHL's five western Canadian leagues and its five leagues from eastern Canada. They will play a two game series which will be closely watched by not only family, friends and local area hockey fans but scouts from the NHL and Canadian and American colleges and universities.

"The Canadian Junior Hockey League is thrilled to be heading back to Winkler," said CJHL chair Paul Lake.

"We received tremendous support in 2007 when we were there last and we are looking forward to another first class event this year as they welcome our best prospects once again," Lake added.

MJHL commissioner Kim Davis echoed those comments.

"The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is proud to be the host league for the 2009 CJHL Prospects game. This event has generated significant interest from the NHL and we are excited to partner with the other leagues to provide this great opportunity for the top draft eligible junior A players in Canada," Davis said.

"Just like in 2007, Winkler will do a tremendous job of hosting the event and the fans will see exceptional hockey by our top players," Davis added.

By Don Radford

Winkler Times