Holland Hurricanes Set to Host 2012 ACAA Basketball Championships

Thursday, February 23, 2012

 

As the Holland Hurricanes basketball teams push through the regular season jockeying for playoff positions, they realize that for the first time ever they will be playing at home for the league title. On the weekend of March 2nd  through the 4th 12 teams will converge on the new Centre of Community Engagement to do battle for Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) basketball supremacy. The top six men's and women's teams will playoff in quarter-final Friday, semi-final Saturday, until the final four teams will lock horns for the ACAA on Sunday afternoon.

 

Holland College was selected as host for a number of reasons including the fact that a brand new facility was opened in the fall of 2011 featuring a gym that offers a superb setting for collegiate basketball. The building is getting rave reviews from fans and players because of the intimate atmosphere. As well the 'Canes have finished in the playoff picture for the last four consecutive years in both men's and women's categories. The men have garnered conference silver medals in both 2010 and 2011.

 

Athletic Director Albert Roche is excited to bring the event to PEI, "When the chance to bid came our way we jumped at the opportunity to host what many see as the marquee sport in the ACAA. We know that the basketball community and our students will enjoy this championship and we believe we will put on a wonderful show for the athletes, coaches and fans."

 

For the players the Centre for Community Engagement offers a significant advantage. Third year player Matthew Morrison, who hails from Colonel Gray, admits it is a special privilege to host. "Up until this year we have moved around Charlottetown to play and to finally get a home and get to play the championships in our own building is huge" Rickeia Richardson, a second year player from the Bahamas, believes the home town crowd will help the 'Canes, "We know there is super energy in our building and the crowds are growing every game this season so as a team we can't wait to play in front of our fans in such a big tournament".

 

At present the 'Canes men sit in third place and women are in fifth in league standings. The men will be attempting to push to second place and gain a quarter-final bye into the semi-finals while the women have their eyes set on finishing the regular season in the top half of the standings. More information on the ACAA championships coming to Charlottetown can be seen at http://hollandcollege.com/athletics/.