UOIT Athletics Media Release
September 20

THE WAIT IS OVER…THE RIDGEBACKS HOCKEY PROGRAM IS OFFICIALLY HERE

Oshawa/Bowmanville - The Department of Athletics at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) unveiled their 2007-08 inaugural rosters for their men's and women's hockey programs on Monday evening, September 17 at the Brian McFarlane Theater in the Total Hockey Museum in Bowmanville.

The evening began with UOIT Athletic Director, Ken Babcock, welcoming all in attendance to the historic event and had some important opening remarks.  Clarington Mayor Jim Abernethy followed, and wished members of both teams well and had ‘words of wisdom' for the players.   

The evening then shifted to the individual hockey programs, as CKDO Sports Director and Oshawa Generals Play-By-Play Voice, Rob Snoek, took over the announcing duties.  Mr. Snoek began by introducing the head coach of the women's team, Gary Pitcher, along with his assistants and then each player was introduced separately.  The men's team with head coach, Marlin Muylaert, followed.  The evening ended with photos and a tour of the great new museum dedicated to the game of hockey.

This introductory event was a prelude to the Ridgebacks home openers, starting with the "Total Hockey Day in Bowmanville" that is a partnership between UOIT and the Town of Clarington to be held on Sunday, September 23rd at the Garnet Rickard Complex in Bowmanville. The day includes a $12 ticket that will consist of the UOIT Ridgebacks first ever Ontario University Athletics (OUA) exhibition game against the University of Ottawa Gee Gees at 2pm .  Peter Puck, Hunter the Ridgeback, UOIT Student President and other distinguished guests will conduct the ceremonial puck drop, which will be followed by a tour of the Total Hockey Museum throughout the day. The event also includes a second great hockey game at 7:30pm , when the Bowmanville Eagles host Lindsay. What a great day of hockey all supported by the Town of Clarington .

*Team photos courtesy of Snap Oshawa*

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For Further Information:
Cory Lusted
Department of Athletics
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905-721-3111 ext 2784