AFL: City of Summerside welcomes Holland College Hurricanes Football Club to Summerside red/white scrimmage

Head coach Mark MacDougall said the players are looking forward to the trip to Summerside.

“Last year, the Red/White scrimmage was held in Souris, and we all enjoyed the experience. It will be great to bring the team to the City of Summerside,” he said.

The Hurricanes finished first during the regular season and hosted the championship last year, their second year in the league. MacDougall hopes that they can build on last year’s victories, although he admits that with several key players gone from the team, it’s going to be a challenge.

“Some of our best players completed their eligibility, so we have those holes to fill,” he said. “But we have some great new prospects coming to our training camp, and we’re optimistic about our chances. Our fans in Summerside will get a sneak preview of the 2012 Hurricanes.”

Michael O’Grady, president of the football club and vice president of Innovation, Enterprise and Strategic Development at Holland College, said the timing of the Red/White scrimmage couldn’t be better.

“The relationship between Holland College and the City of Summerside continues to grow stronger, so we’re delighted to bring the Hurricanes to the city at this time. Our new Summerside Waterfront Campus will welcome students in early September, too. The relocation of most of our trades and industrial technology programs to the new campus promises to mutually advantageous, bringing some 200 students into the city and giving them opportunity to live and work in the area,” he said.

Mayor Basil Stewart stated his delight in welcoming The Holland College Hurricanes for the Red / White Scrimmage to Summerside.

“The City is thrilled that this event ties in with the opening of the Summerside Holland College Campus for the 2012/13 school year.  What a great way to welcome 200 students to the Holland College campus and the City’s recreation facilities as we celebrate the successes of the Holland College Hurricanes team this past year in a way that engages our whole community.  We value our growing relationship with Holland College and look forward to working together as students achieve their educational goals.”

The Hurricanes will hold their training camp for returning players and prospects starting Friday, August 24. For more information, visithollandcollege.com/football or e-mail [email protected]. Join the Hurricanes on Facebook at facebook.com/HCFootball.