Hurricanes to host women's soccer nationals

(L-R) Honourable Doug Currie, Minister of Health and Wellness, Hurricanes Women’s Soccer team members Katelyn Peters and Catherine McAleer, and Holland College president Dr. Brian McMillan discuss plans for the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Soccer Championships, which Holland College will host in November, 2012.

Charlottetown, PE - The Holland Hurricanes will welcome some of the best women soccer players in the country to Prince Edward Island for the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) Women's Soccer Championships in November, 2012. Holland College was selected to host the championship on the basis of a strong bid featuring the highly rated Terry Fox Sports Complex located in Cornwall, PE. The college is making plans for a quality tournament that will display players competing for national supremacy in women's soccer.

The championships will be held November 5th to 10th, featuring four days of competitive matches. Eight teams from across Canada will do battle in what promises to be a hotly contested fight for the national crown in varsity women's soccer. The tournament will bring collegiate representation from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic region to the Island in a championship that grows more competitive every year. The Holland Hurricanes won national men's silver medal in 2011 and the women have represented Atlantic Canada in 2008 and 2010. The women are hoping to duplicate the effort put forward by the men's team and compete for a medal.

Holland College president Brian McMillan is a proud supporter of the Hurricanes.

"This championship tournament provides a tremendous opportunity to exhibit the best of our Island hospitality, our varsity soccer program, and the college's academic offerings. Our Hurricanes teams continue to build a reputation for competing at the national level and I have every confidence in the 'Canes as they strive for athletic excellence," he said.

Cornwall's Terry Fox Complex is an exceptional facility and is the proud home of the Holland Hurricanes. The facility is located less than 10 minutes from the host hotel and offers a large clubhouse with a wrap around deck. Also available are an Official's/First Aid Room, Fully Stocked Canteen and 4 separate locker room areas. Team benches are provided and the facility can seat 770+ people. Cornwall's mayor, Glenn Fullerton, is elated to see this event come to the town. "We have invested in this facility and now we are proud to be able to showcase the Terry Fox Sports Complex as a host site for a national championship of this statue."

"Hosting the Canadian Colleges Women's Soccer Championship is a great opportunity to showcase our Island as a premier sport tourism destination", said Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Henderson. "This event is an example of what can be accomplished when many partners come together to strengthen our sport and tourism industries. Holland College is to be congratulated for its efforts in bringing this tournament to the Island."

As Minister responsible for sport in the province, Honourable Doug Currie, Minister of Health and Wellness said, "I'm pleased to hear that the 2012 National 2012 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Soccer National Championship will be hosted here in Prince Edward Island. I would like to congratulate Holland College on their accomplishment in bringing this national event to our province and it's an exciting time for organizers, athletes, coaches and volunteers."

Rodd Royalty Hotel is a newly renovated 4 star full-service hotel located minutes from the competition site, downtown Charlottetown, the Charlottetown airport and walking distance to many large retailers.

Mark Rodd, President and CEO of Rodd Hotels & Resorts, is pleased to partner with the college and the province in hosting the championship.

"We view this event as a win-win for all parties involved. Profiling soccer on PEI in November is a real boost for everyone and we look forward to putting on a great show for our visitors. We are extremely pleased to play host with our partners at Cornwall, the province of PEI and Holland College. We also would like to wish the Hurricanes the best of luck as they take on the nation."

"In terms of exposure for the Hurricanes athletics program we envision the 2012 CCAA Women's Soccer Championships as a vehicle to communicate our strength in organizing and delivering a quality sports event", says Albert Roche, Manager of Athletics & Student Activities at Holland College. "There is no doubt that with the partners we have on board and our collective resources at work, we will set a new standard for this national championship."

Students in Holland College programs will be involved with all facets of the championships including planning, registration, website, food and beverage, and all the guest services necessary to conduct a national championship. This hands-on experience compliments the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to produce a unique blend of applied learning in a formal setting. The timing is ideal for the students to be part of the planning phase and be there through the evaluation stage.

This is the first time that the college has hosted the CCAA Women's Soccer Championships.

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For further information, please visit www.hollandcollege.com/athletics/ or contact:
Albert Roche
Manager, Athletics & Student Activities
Holland College
140 Weymouth Street, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4Z1
Tel: 902-566-9690
Fax: 902-566-9567

Hurricanes Women's Soccer: Off to ACAA Championships

Soccer Women Hurricanes Poised to Repeat as Champions.

When the 2010 women soccer Hurricanes headed to the playoffs they were considered underdogs and they scrapped their way to the conference title through dogged determination and a cohesive team effort. This year's version appears to have developed the same personality as they head to UNB Saint John for the ACAA soccer championships. In order to capture the banner again the Hurricanes will have to play their best soccer of the season to overcome their competitive rivals.

The Hurricanes have shown steady progress throughout the season. With so many first year players, each season presents the challenge of having to quickly build effective systems and communication where players can build trust and gain confidence. Much of their success can be allocated to the strong commitment to improvement by all members of the squad, from veterans to rookies. The team is built on defense allowing only one goal in their last ten regular season games.

Coach Amy Connolly focuses on the importance of the team preparation leading into ACAA championships. "This is the time of year where you really need to be sharp. It's not going to be easy, we've still got our work cut out for us, but I have no doubt that this group of girls will accomplish what our team goal has been all season...to win an ACAA Championship." Coach Connolly feels her troops are battle ready heading into action.

The women ‘Canes finished third in ACAA league action with a record of seven wins, four ties and one loss. They will face off against Mount Saint Vincent Mystics Saturday in a semi-final game at 1:00pm at the Canada Games stadium turf in Saint John. In two matches this year the teams fought to two zero-zero draws.

-Mary Katherine Power (17) takes a free kick in regular season action.