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Ottawa Champions debut strong

Ottawa ChampionsWe hope third time’s the charm, as the Ottawa Champions (independent; Can-Am League) debuted last night at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Stadium before 3,876 fans on an incredibly chilly night.

This is the third time the Can-Am League has attempted to do business in Ottawa, but this one feels different. Ballpark changes were made, and co-owner Miles Wolff — living legend and Can-Am League founder — has been heavily involved in launching the team along with co-owner David Gourlay.

So with the right elements in place, a good crowd was on hand to see Hal Lanier’s squad defeat fellow expansion team Sussex County Miners, 8-1. From the Ottawa Citizen:

“This is surreal,” said Gourlay, the Champions’ owner along with Miles Wolff. “I am absolutely exhilarated to see the names of all our major sponsors on the outfield wall and to see ball players out on the field and our new video board, and most of all, to see so many excited people in the park and in the stands….

“This is a real moment for me … and for many of us.

“Logistically, things went well, and for a first night we’re pretty happy.”

RELATED STORIES: New for 2015: Ottawa Champions; Ottawa City Council approves Can-Am League deal; Did MiLB dodge a bullet in Ottawa?; Ottawa to negotiate ballpark lease with Can-Am League; Ottawa: We’ll take Can-Am League over affiliated ball; Ottawa baseball deal in final stretch; Ottawa approves outlines of ballpark spending; specifics to be decided; Ottawa moves forward on changes to ballpark-renovation financing plan; Ottawa revamps ballpark financing plan;

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