August 19, 2011 – Cumberland Bandits founders and owners Claude and Chantal Pothier have concluded a transaction that brings new ownership to the team. The new ownership group is lead by a local enterprising family. The transaction was approved by the league this week.

Immediately following the close of the transaction, the new owners of the Cumberland Bandits Junior Hockey Club announced with great pleasure the appointment of Paul Forgues as President of the Bandits. Paul has been involved in minor hockey for over 15 years – most recently with the Eastern Ontario Wild AAA Minor Hockey Club. His primary duties will be to maintain a positive working relationship with the league and to ensure the Bandits have the required resources to be sustainable – provide players, volunteers and Bandit fans with a positive experience. “I see my primary role as an administrator and to promote the Bandits in the community – letting knowledgeable people like Rick Julien and Bob Paquette run the hockey operations” says Paul Forgues.

Mr. Forgues and the rest of the Bandits family are pleased to confirm that the founders and former owners, Claude and Chantal Pothier, have accepted to remain on the Executive Committee as Founders and Senior Advisors. “I take pride in what we’ve built over the last three hockey seasons. Our volunteers have been extremely supportive. New ownership and new leadership will help bring new ideas. I am optimistic about the 2011-12 hockey season” says Claude Pothier. “My first priority as President was to ensure that the Pothier family continues to work with the Bandits” added Mr. Forgues. In the three seasons that the Pothiers ran the club they were voted best executive for 2 of those seasons. “What they have done in three seasons with this club is quite remarkable and this new ownership will ensure that their philosophy remains to be the Bandits way” affirmed Forgues.

The Bandits are also very pleased to confirm the return of Rick Julien as General Manager. “Rick is the heart and soul of this hockey club. Without him there is no Bandit team” stated Mr. Forgues. Head Coach Bob Paquette and all of the assistant coaches are also confirmed as returning. “We are already planning our upcoming season and I believe that this year will be a great one – building on what we’ve accomplished since we joined the league” says Rick Julien.

Although there is a change in ownership the Bandits family remains strong. All members of the Executive Committee are returning this season and all volunteers have also committed to return. “This I believe is already a huge accomplishment for the new ownership as everybody (including the former owners) has committed to continue the process of making the Bandits Champions” a jubilant Forgues added.

The Cumberland Bandits Junior Hockey Club is part of the National Capital Junior Hockey League. For more information about the Bandits, you can visit our website: www.jrbandits.com

For more information:
Jennifer Julien
Director of Communications
info@jrbandits.com