National Development Centre Thunder Bay Cross Country Ski Team Introduced

THUNDER BAY -Sports – The National Development Centre (NDC) Thunder Bay cross country ski team opened their “push” towards the competitive season with their second annual team kick-off event at one of the organization’s main sponsors – PUSH Fitness Centre. The event showcased the talented athletes and acknowledged the support of the team’s community sponsors. The day was highlighted by an exciting roller-ski team sprint relay race featuring NDC athletes. Each team represented NDC’s gold level sponsors who are Fresh Air Experience, RBC Royal Bank, CRC Communications, and the event host, PUSH Fitness Centre.

After an exciting 2010/2011 season where the team saw Michael Somppi qualify for the National Team, Andy Shields and Erin Tribe make the World Junior and Under 23 championships and Andrea Lee become National University Champion, the team is looking to continue to assert themselves as the lead development centre in Canada.

With the return of Head Coach, Eric Bailey, now in his 8th year and assistant coach Timo Puiras, the team is looking fit and strong for the upcoming season. This year will be a very busy one as the team will compete in numerous events across North America to vie for spots on World teams. The season winds up with the Canadian National Championships in Mte. Ste, Anne, QC in March.

NDC welcomes 4 new faces to Thunder Bay:
·Alannah Maclean from Sudbury
·Jack Carlyle from Sault Ste. Marie
·Jordan Cascagnette from Penetanguishene; and
·Nick Monette from Oakville

These new faces all bring talent and enthusiasm to an already strong team and will set the foundation for NDC to succeed this season and into the future. The team now consists of 12 athletes and 3 staff members, the largest team in multiple years.