Holland Hurricanes selected to host ACAA Men's and Women's Soccer Championships 2009

Holland Hurricanes soccer players Cassie MacEwen and Tommy Fleming
Charlottetown, PE - Building on a sensational 2008 season the Holland Hurricanes soccer program received tremendous news, when Holland College was selected to host the Atlantic College Athletic Association 2009 Men's and Women's Soccer Championships. The ACAA awarded the hosting privilege to the college at the recent winter meetings in Halifax, where the successful bid was presented.
The bid to host the championships was bolstered by the impressive showing of the Hurricanes over the two seasons in both the men's and women's divisions. Holland College competed in the final four showdown both years on the men's and women's sides. This fall the Hurricanes won the conference title for women and the men lost the heartbreaking conference final after 20 penalty kicks.
"The rapid development of our soccer program has been noticed in the ACAA and the success of the teams has made the bid an easier sell," said Albert Roche, Manager of Student Services and Athletics. The teams will be tested to repeat as top four contenders, but with a cast of returning players and the addition of key recruits the Hurricanes are confident of a return to the late October playoff showcase.
"Winning the bid process is wonderful, and undoubtedly we are focused on putting on a great weekend for the ACAA. The next step is to ensure we compete and earn a spot in the Championships. We know our coaches and players will step up to the challenge", said Roche.
Returning conference all-star Cassie MacEwen said, “It will be a great experience to host the ACAAs in 2009 for the players, coaching staff and the school as a whole. We have worked very hard to get nationally ranked, and as a team I know we can continue to improve in the coming year. Hosting the ACAAs is a great way to give our soccer program added exposure to Islanders and out of province players." The mid-fielder is eager to see what the 2009 season will bring.
"Our coaches (Head Coach Meredith Cameron and assistant Amy Connolly) have set the tone for increased expectations for next season, so we will be ready".
Also returning next season is standout Tommy Fleming, who sees hosting the ACAAs as a distinct advantage for the men's squad.
"Getting the playoffs at home is very exciting for the team and we feel we have some unfinished business from last season. The experience we gained from our 2008 season will give us an edge, and knowing we could be playing in front of our home fans will help motivate our teams all though the season." Fleming, who battled through a serious ankle injury that took him out of over half the season, believes the circumstances will make the 'Canes even hungrier in 2009.
The championships are scheduled for October 23, 24 and 25, and will be played at the UPEI Turf. The pitch is the home site for the Hurricanes and the facility is viewed by many in the league as an ideal location for this event. Conference semifinals are scheduled for Saturday followed by championship games on Sunday. A highlight of the championships will be the awards banquet at the Culinary Institute of Canada on Friday evening.