Spitfires bid for 2017 Memorial Cup

The Windsor Spitfires are preparing to formally present their bid to host the 2017 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

Unsuccessful in their previous attempts, the Spitfires lost their chance to host the tournament in 2011 and 2014 as the Canadian Hockey League instead awarded it to the Mississauga Steelheads and London Knights respectively.

If Windsor is named as host, the Spitfires will earn an automatic berth to compete in the tournament against the top teams in the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

“From the first two (bids) we’ve taken the foundation and added to it,” said Spitfires Director of Business Development Steve Horne. “Times have changed over six years and we’ve adapted with what we put together, kind of redefining what our objectives are and going from there.”

The Spitfires have experience hosting CHL events at the WFCU Centre including the CHL/NHL Top Prospects game in 2009 and World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in 2012.

“Hosting other CHL events allowed us to try out different things within the facility and city. That’s when the groundwork was laid,” said Horne. “We figured out what we needed to change and what we need to do here. That is the foundation of what led to where we are today. It was seven years of groundwork to prepare for what we presented (the CHL) in February.”

Important factors the CHL considers when selecting the tournament’s host city are the quality of the team, the quality of the venue and the infrastructure of the city.

“I think this year we’re really strong with the hockey team. Warren Rychel, his scouting staff and coaching staff have done an amazing job with the on-ice product,” said Horne. “I know David Branch (CHL Commisioner) has said they’re comfortable being here, they’re comfortable with the way we host and they’re comfortable with the way we take care of the fans, the parents, the players and the community. From a business side I think we’ve always had the boxes checked.”

The nationally televised tournament puts the host city at the centre of the hockey universe in junior hockey for 11 to 14 days.

“Rogers Sportsnet being here every night talking about…the City of Windsor is a definite positive,” said Horne. “It’s going to be pretty special. Whether you come to the games or not you’re going to have the ability to feel the event in the community.”

The third time could be the charm for Spitfires President Bob Boughner, who is in his tenth year of ownership of the franchise.

“Our organization is honoured to be selected to present its bid to host the 2017 MasterCard Memorial Cup,” said Boughner. “It has been a goal since day one of ownership to bring this prestigious event to our region and our devoted fan base. We are confident that our organization and committee would host an unforgettable event. We eagerly anticipate the next step in this process.”

The Spitfires’ formal presentation to the league will take place on April 18, 2016 in Toronto with the announcement of the official host city to follow.

“It’s our chance to take a paper document and bring it to life,” said Horne. “The biggest thing we will find on the 18^th is a chance to really bring our city to life.”