"Four franchises sent written confirmations to the League office to host the event," said Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Commissioner Gilles Courteau in a release. "They are Cape Breton, Halifax, Saint John and Shawinigan. As was announced in late August following the QMJHL Annual Assembly, an independent committee will be mandated to choose the site of the next MasterCard Memorial Cup. In the next few weeks, steps will be taken to select the committee’s members."
The Sea Dogs made it public well over a year ago that they had intentions on bidding to host the Canadian Hockey League championship. The weeklong event involves the hosts of tournament, the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL champions all competing in a round robin style tournament.
"We just think that Saint John is a Memorial Cup-style city. It's got a great facility, a great atmosphere," Sea Dogs President Wayne Long said the Telegraph-Journal on September 9.
Saint John will host Game One of the Subway Super Series in November. It is their second time hosting one of the international matches in the past two years.
"It certainly shows that the league and the CHL look favourably upon the Saint John Sea Dogs,” Long added about hosting the game. “We view this as another opportunity, taking nothing for granted, to show the (QMJHL) and the CHL that we can host national events and do a great job doing it."
Of note, a brief which underlines the ability of bidding franchises to host the event must be forwarded to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s head office prior to November 30. The independent committee will then begin touring potential sites in early 2011 with a decision coming in April.
Logistics is worth 25 points and the quality of team and the quality of the arena are each worth 20 points. The quality of the organization, the team's past experiences hosting Canadian Hockey League events and a marketing plan are worth 10 points each, while five points are awarded for a financial plan.
The winning bid, which will be made by an independent selection committee, will be announced next Spring.
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