NEWS RELEASE
MUSKOKA BEARS
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A proud moment in the history of Junior C hockey in Bracebridge occurred this past Sunday.
With the payment of the franchise fee to commissioner Terry Whiteside, the Bears were officially welcomed into the 62-team-strong Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL).
As a member of the eight-team North Carruthers Division, strong rivalries will soon be created with nearby teams including Huntsville, Orillia, Midland, Alliston, Stayner, Penetang and Innisfil.
The Bears are a not-for-profit, community-funded and -managed organization replicating a highly successful model within the PJHL. Eight members of the management team and five additional advisory committee members have a financial investment in the franchise.
Sponsors, donors and fans will be relied upon to provide 100 per cent of the funding necessary to operate the team. To date, stimulated by creative, inclusive marketing initiatives and incredible community interest and participation, $70,000 has been raised. A similar amount committed over the next few months will guarantee a successful first-year launch.
The Bears hit the ice in September 2024 — exciting times and sporting memories are ahead for hockey fans in Muskoka. Stay tuned for regular updates.
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