THEY HAVE ARRIVED

SAINT JOHN – The big day has arrived and the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup Selection Committee has made its way to the Port City.

Harbour Station posted on their Facebook page just a few short hours ago that the committee was "in the house."

The committee’s tour of the city is a crucial part in selecting the host site for the 2012 Canadian Hockey League national championships. The breakdown of how cities are graded appeared in today’s Telegraph-Journal:

1. Logistics - Accreditation plan, hotels, etc.
2. Hockey operations - Will the team be competitive?
3. Host facility - Does it have large enough seating capacity, enough luxury suites, big enough dressing rooms, a state-of-the-art score clock?
4. Strength of the organizing committee
5. CHL Events - Are there adequate facilities to host such events as the awards banquet and golf tournament?
6. Sales and marketing - Is there enough corporate sponsorship?
7. Finance - How will a team foot the bill?

The committee began their tour Monday in Halifax, spent yesterday in Sydney, visit Saint John today, and wrap things up Friday in Shawinigan. The touring group is made up of Chair, Gerald Janneteau, Michel Cote, Vincent Damphousse, Robert Basque and Bernard Valcourt. They will be accompanied by Gilles Courteau, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Commissioner.

The Sea Dogs have hinted to fans a way they can show their support this afternoon:

Saint John has been working hard on this presentation for months now and recently held a rally at Brunswick Square to show the cities support for the bid. An impressive 300 fans braved a snow storm to give their support for Saint John’s bid.

On paper, Saint John’s bid has it all, and today is the day to make sure the Selection Committee knows that.

Photo Credit: Saint John Sea Dogs