The new ownership group of the Prince George Cougars is planning a big splash next Tuesday to get acquainted with fans of the team.
Everybody is invited to a free barbecue in front of CN Centre starting at 11:30 a.m., followed by a media conference open to the public, starting at 12:15 p.m.
The event will mark the first public appearance of the EDGEPRO Sports & Entertainment Group Ltd., ownership group, which includes majority owner/team president Greg Pocock, local businessmen Raymond Fortier, Ernest Ouellet and John Pateman, and NHL defencemen Dan Hamhuis and Eric Brewer. Hamhuis and Brewer are former Cougars.
Hamhuis, who now plays for the Vancouver Canucks, plans to attend the event and will address the crowd, along with Pocock, WHL commissioner Ron Robison and Mayor Shari Green. Brewer lives in Florida, where he plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and he's not expected to return to Prince George for the event but does plan to speak to the fans through a live videoconference connection.
The new Cougars owners, whose deal to buy the team from Rick Brodsky was approved unanimously by the WHL board of governors April 30, will unveil its "New Ice Age" marketing strategy and will reveal ticket pricing information. The club will also introduce its front office staff.
A cake-cutting ceremony will follow, which will allow fans to chat with the team owners and staff.
