Draft Jim and RIM Campaign

Geeks looking to bring RIM CEO Jim Balsillie to Moncton for April hockey tournament

Moncton, NB – The 2007 Geeks on Ice committee launched a letter writing campaign today called “Draft Jim and RIM”. The goal of the campaign is to gain the attention of RIM Co-CEO and self proclaimed “Hockey Nut” Jim Balsillie. Event organizers plan on sending letters from various local leaders extending an invitation to Mr. Balsillie and his RIM team, the Wireless Warriors, to compete in the annual Moncton based hockey tournament which focuses on Atlantic Canadian IT organizations.

Letters from individuals and groups like MP Brian Murphy, Whitehill CEO Paul McSpurren, propelSJ, Moncton Technology Partners and Fatkat Animation President Gene Fowler are being sent to RIM headquarters in Waterloo, Ont.

“Our goal here is to leverage Mr. Balsillie’s passion for the game of hockey and technology by extending a personal invitation.” said Trevor Macausland, founder of Geeks on Ice. “This is our way of welcoming Research in Motion to the neighbourhood while also profiling our Atlantic Canada’s cluster of IT firms to an international technology industry icon.”.

Organizers have reserved a spot for Mr. Balsillie in the 16 team tournament should he decide to accept the community invitation by the February 28th deadline. The tournament is taking place at the Moncton 4Plex from April 19th to April 22nd and proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Greater Moncton United Way.

Updates on the “Draft Jim and RIM” campaign and tournament will be posted to www.GeeksonIce.com. The Geeks committee has also stated that they may ask the public for help in convincing Jim Balsillie to attend.

For inquiries about the “Draft Jim and Rim” campaign, tournament details or media inquiries send your request to geeksonice@gmail.com.

-END-

***Update: Here's proof that Mr. Balsillie is a self proclaimed "Hockey Nut".***

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GEEKS HIT THE ICE FOR CHARITY

MONCTON, NB, JANUARY 19, 2007:
Geeks from across the Maritimes are sharpening their skates and hauling out their gear for the fourth annual Geeks on Ice hockey tournament.

"We had a great time at Geeks on Ice 2006!," Ken LeBlanc, from the winning team, PropertyGuys.com, said. "I have played in a number of hockey tournaments over the years and this is, by far, one of the best organized events I have had the pleasure of participating in. It was professional, competitive, entertaining, but most of all fun. I tip my hat to the organizers for a job well done, and can't wait to get on the ice again next year."

Each year, Geeks on Ice raises funds for a local charity. Last year's efforts went towards Support to Single Parents. Nancy Hartling, the executive director of Support to Single Parents said the fundraiser was their greatest ever.

"The support from Geeks on Ice has surpassed our wildest dreams," Hartling said. "They were able to help us by obtaining donated computer equipment, and the money raised from the raffle and silent auction were icing on the cake."

Trevor MacAusland, the founder of Geeks on Ice, said he is encouraged by the positive support and feedback the tournament committee received from the public.

"Not only do local professionals get an opportunity to network with their peers while improving their health and wellness; participants also have the satisfaction of knowing they are building a better community through the charitable campaign," MacAusland said. "My prediction is that 2007 will be our biggest year yet!"

The Geeks on Ice tournament will have 16 teams play at the Moncton 4Plex from April 19 to 22. Registration is open from now, until February 28, for anyone in the IT industry who is interested in participating. The registration fee is $800 per team, with $100 deposit. IT workers can sign up as a team, or individually as free agents. To register, or for more information about Geeks on Ice 2007, please visit www.geeksonice.com or write to geeksonice@gmail.com.

Soupfest!

This is for a great cause and the staff at Support for Single Parents is so great that I wanted to pass along this great idea for a fundraiser. If you like soup, come on out!

-Trevor

Hi Folks,

Support to Single Parents Inc. is having its 2nd Annual Soup Fest on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at the Moncton Market Festival Place, 110 Westmorland Street.
>
Participating restaurants include: Le Château à Pape, Graffiti, Creek Seafood, Little Louis' Oyster Bar, Mooser's Pub, Don Cherry's, Cora's Breakfast and Lunch, Homestead, St. Jame's Gate, T-Bones, Auberge Wild Rose Inn, Bogart's Bar & Grill, Barnyard BBQ, Eastside Mario's, Taj Mahal, Maverick's, Boomerang's, Vito's, Jungle Jim's, L'Auberge Restaurant, Fisherman's Paradise, Pumphouse, Pastilli, and La Rouge.
>
> This year we are going to have 2 sittings 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
> 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
>
> Advance Tickets are $6.00 Tickets @ the door $10.00

For those of you who attended last year - we hope to see you back this year and for those who missed out last year we hope you can join us in sampling some of Moncton's finest soups.

Tickets are available at Reid's in Moncton and Riverview, Timothy's on Main Street and from our agency 858-1303.

Thank you

Bridgette Donovan
Office Manager
Support to Single Parents Inc.
154 Queen Street, Moncton, NB E1C 1K8

2007 marks the 25th Anniversary of Support to Single Parents Inc.

Road Hockey Rumble Premier Tonight!

Tonight is the long awaited premier of Road Hockey Rumble. It airs at 9:30pm on OLN. For more details visit the website: http://www.roadhockeyrumble.com/

Good luck to the RHR crew! Moncton episode airs in March.

GOI Registration Fee Announced

Geeks on Ice committee co-chairs Randy Delorey and Trevor Macausland are pleased to announce that the cost to register a team for the 2007 Geeks on Ice hockey tournament will remain the same as the previous year despite increases to the operating budget.

This year's fee will be $800.00 per team which covers 3 games, officials, liability insurance and prizes. Details on how to register as well as the official dates will be announced shortly. Stay tuned!

Public Information Session Notes

The 2007 Geeks on Ice committee held a public information kick off meeting on December 19th, 2006.

Download Presentation

Here is a summary of the key points that were discussed at the kick off session:

1. Our number one objective is to organize a successful and fun hockey tournament, which fulfills our mission

a. To promote health and wellness (among IT professionals & the community)
b. To promote networking (of IT professionals)
c. To raise money for a local-non profit organization (to support an IT related project / need, such as new hardware / software)

2. While fulfilling our mission another objective should be reached, which is to promote the IT Industry in Atlantic Canada

3. Notes about the Committee Architecture

Appeals Official - A new role for 2007, to act as a neutral ombudsman for major complaints that come up during the tournament, and also to implement any disciplinary sanctions that may be required. Note: Per official tournament rules the on ice officials calls are final, however the Appeals Official will be in a position to take additional actions, if deemed appropriate.

Registration - A suggestion was made that we should identify a specific role for managing registration, on the day of the tournament. We will discuss further at our first committee meeting in the New Year.

4. Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Geeks on Ice 2007 will require additional support at various times leading up to and during the tournament. Such roles include:

Marketing Assistants - People to assist with obtaining and coordinating sponsorship and promotions.

Geek Ambassadors - People to represent the committee at the tournament and the Geekfest social; Go-To people, to answer questions and resolve issues as first point of contact for participants and observers.

Time Keepers - People to manage the clock during the hockey games.

Stats Officials - People to track, update, and post game statistics during the tournament.

First Aid - Have previously used Saint John Ambulance services, and would be interested in pursuing this relationship again in 2007. May also consider Red Cross or other First Aid providers.

Webmaster - A person to take responsibility for keeping the GeeksOnIce.com website updated with tournament and IT related content.

5. Committee Meeting - We plan to schedule our first committee meeting in early January, once the Co-Chairs and Treasurer have met to discuss budget.

If you have any questions about how the comittee is progressing, please contact:

Randy Delorey
Geeks On Ice 2007 Co-Chair
randy.delorey@gmail.com