Guelph, Ont., July 22, 2016 – Today, Mayor Cam Guthrie and Guelph Storm Partner and Governor Rick Gaetz announced a new 10-year agreement that will keep the team in Guelph until 2026.
 “This is great news for Storm fans, and great news for our entire city,” said Mayor Guthrie. “This agreement means that Guelph will continue to be known as ‘Storm City’ for at least the next decade.”

 The Council-approved agreement solidifies the strong partnership between the City and Guelph Storm Hockey Club. It also ensures an anchor tenant for the Sleeman Centre, home to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team since 2000.

 “The Guelph Storm are a vibrant part of our city in so many ways, economically, socially, wonderful entertainment and perhaps most of all, a great source of civic pride. We are thrilled to have extended our relationship for at least another decade as our gifted young men attempt to bring another championship to our great city,” said Gaetz.

 The total net impact of the agreement to the City’s operating budget is estimated to be $500,000 per year.

 “The Ontario Hockey League market is an increasingly competitive place, and cities across Ontario are knocking on the doors of successful teams like the Guelph Storm in hopes of hosting a team, because they too know of the immense benefits it can bring,” said Mayor Guthrie. “The last thing I wanted was for Guelph to lose the Storm to another community. In today’s competitive market, that’s always a very real possibility, and my kids would have killed me!”

 City CAO Derrick Thomson echoed the mayor’s comments. “The City values the importance of having an OHL team, including the variety of benefits it brings to our community and downtown economy.”

 Each year, the Guelph Storm attracts thousands of fans to its home games: these fans give business to hotels, restaurants and shops. Beyond the economic advantages, the Guelph Storm provides community value through its commitment to various charities. Over the past 25 years in Guelph, the hockey club has raised or donated $3 million to local not for-profit-organizations, with $1.3 million donated in the last eight years.

 About the Guelph Storm Hockey Club

 The Guelph Storm Hockey Club is a major junior ice hockey team, based in Guelph, Ont., and plays its home games at the Sleeman Centre. The Storm has earned a post-season berth in 23 of 25 seasons of their existence in the OHL. In that time, the Storm has won three OHL Championships and played in four Memorial Cup Tournaments. The Storm has produced 55 National Hockey League players, over the past 25 years. For more information on the Guelph Storm, visit guelphstorm.com.