TICATS TO HOST DOUBLEHEADER WITH HURRICANES+BURL. BRAVES

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS TO HOST FOOTBALL DOUBLEHEADER WITH HAMILTON HURRICANES, BURLINGTON BRAVES OF ONTARIO FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

HAMILTON, ONT – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Wednesday that they will host the Hamilton Hurricanes and Burlington Braves in an Ontario Football Conference matchup at Tim Hortons Field following the Ticats’ September 19 game against the Edmonton Eskimos. The doubleheader, which begins at 4 p.m., will provide fans with a first-ever opportunity to see CFL and OFC action together on the same night, with the OFC game kicking off at approximately 7:30 p.m.

“The Tiger-Cats have long been leaders in the support of amateur football in the TigerTown region through our Play Action initiatives and our high school mentorship program,? said Matt Afinec, Chief Commercial Officer of the Ticats. “This will be the first doubleheader of its kind in Canada, featuring both Canadian Football League and Canadian Junior Football League teams together.

“As part of our on-going commitment to amateur football in TigerTown, we’re excited to provide support both in terms of a fundraising opportunity as well as exposure to our local OFC teams. We are encouraging Tiger-Cats fans who will be attending our game against the Eskimos to stick around afterward to enjoy more great football between two local junior teams with a long and storied rivalry.?

The Hamilton Hurricanes and Burlington Braves, along with teams in London and Windsor, are Canadian Junior Football League affiliates of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, meaning all players with those clubs are territorial property of the Ticats. Current Ticats receiver Matt Coates, in his second season with the club, is a former member of the Hurricanes. Tiger-Cats Aaron Crawford, Neil King, Ron Omara, and Tim O’Neill also boast experience in the 19-team CJFL that operates clubs in six provinces across the country.

“The CJFL is an excellent platform for players in varying circumstances to participate in a competitive football environment,? said Drew Allemang, Director of Canadian Scouting for the Tiger-Cats. “It allows players attending post-secondary institutions without a football program, players needing to qualify academically for CIS or NCAA schools, players needing physical development, and players already in the workforce all the opportunity to improve their football abilities. The Tiger-Cats will continue to identify talented prospects on these clubs with the anticipation of developing them into future Ticats players.?

Coates is one of 20 former Hamilton Hurricanes who have gone on to play in the CFL since the team started in 1963, including former Tiger-Cats Roger Dunbrack and Dale Sanderson. Recent former Tiger-Cats with CJFL experience include Marc Beswick and John Delahunt.

The Edmonton Eskimos, who face the Tiger-Cats in the first half of the doubleheader, feature six players with CJFL experience, led by Nate Coehoorn, Grant Shaw, and Cory Watson.

“The Hamilton Hurricanes are excited to be a part of this event,? said Mike Samuel, President of the Hurricanes. “Our affiliation with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats has grown stronger each year. This doubleheader should prove to be an exciting day for the Tiger-Cats and Hurricanes fans as well as the football community.?

The Hurricanes are selling admission tickets for $52, with a price break to $90 for a pair of tickets to the Ticats-Canes twin bill. Hurricanes fans may opt to purchase a ticket and a special team Hoodie for $90, or two tickets and two Hoodies for $140. $17 from each single ticket and $30 from each pair sold by the Hurricanes goes to help support the team’s fundraising efforts. There are limited quantities of these specially priced ticket packages available, and they can be obtained by email at http://www.the-canes.com. Information about the Braves can be found at http://www.burlingtonbraves.com.