PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 23, 2016

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Victoria HarbourCats have bolstered their defense for the 2017 season, signing infielder Harry Shipley and catcher Bryce Bonner from Purdue University (NCAA Div. 1; Big 10).

Right-handed pitcher Ryan Ricci of George Mason University (NCAA Div. 1; Atlantic 10) has also signed for the upcoming West Coast League season.

INF Harry Shipley, Purdue University, (Junior), Fishers, IN, 5-9/165

C Bryce Bonner, Purdue University, (Freshman), Katy, TX, 5-9/185

RHP Ryan Ricci, George Mason University, (Junior), Greencastle, PA, 6-1/190

Harry Shipley is regarded as a tremendous infield defender at Purdue. Shipley started all 54 games at shortstop as a freshman for the Boilermakers in 2015, and has played in all but one game through his first two years.

A left-handed hitter, Shipley hit .274 in his breakout freshman season with four doubles and 16 RBIs. Playing shortstop, a premiere defensive position, he has posted strong fielding percentages of .962 and .970 in his first two seasons.

Bryce Bonner is an exciting young catcher who has an opportunity to make an impact at Purdue as a freshman in 2017.

During his career at Dallas Jesuit High School, Bonner hit .327 with 22 doubles, five triples and five home runs, driving in 68 runs. Perfect Game named him an Underclass Honorable mention in 2015 and a Texas Region Honorable Mention in 2016.

Ryan Ricci is a veteran arm at George Mason University who has the ability to start or pitch out of the bullpen. Ricci has made 23 appearances over his first two years including six starts, posting a 2-4 record with 21 strikeouts in 41.1 innings pitched.

Ricci’s father Chuck played 11 professional seasons, reaching the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1995. He is now a national cross-checker in the Tampa Bay Rays scouting department.

FLOYD’S DINER COMPLETES TRIPLE PLAY

Floyd’s Diner will return in 2017 for their third season at Royal Athletic Park to headline the array of food options at HarbourCats games.

The Floyd’s Diner food truck has been a staple of HarbourCats games since 2015, leading the lineup of food trucks and concession options that have become a signature of Royal Athletic Park

“Floyd’s has truly become a fan favorite over the past two seasons,” says HarbourCats Assistant General Manager Brittany French. “By changing their menu each season, Floyd’s has done an outstanding job of keeping things fresh and always giving fans something new to look forward to. We are thrilled to continue working with Floyd’s Diner,” says French.

Opened in 2004, Floyd’s location in Victoria is a landmark in the city’s food scene. A second location was opened in Langford in 2012.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

Thursday, December 1 from 12:00 – 8:00 PM at the team office (1814 Vancouver Street), the HarbourCats will be throwing a Christmas Party with a wide range of exciting offers on tickets and merchandise as well as door prizes and draws.

The team will also officially launch single-game ticket sales for the entire 2017 season. At this time and going forward, tickets will be available in-person, over the phone (778-265-0327) and online.

General admission tickets to the HarbourCats ‘Christmas in July’ game vs. the Kelowna Falcons on July 25 will be available for $5 on this one day only. (Only available in-person at the office on December 1.)

Fans can make it a ‘white Christmas’ by purchasing a HarbourCats game-worn white (home) jersey.  Jerseys are available purchase now at the team office and will have a special deal applied to them on December 1 only.

Fans will be invited to spin the wheel in the office for a chance to win a variety of prizes including an autographed Blue Jays jersey (limited quantities).

There will be door prizes and refreshments for all in attendance.  Draws will take place including draws for a Christmas tree from Anawim House as well as a BC Lions package consisting of four (4) tickets to a game in 2017, on-field passes and a bobblehead.

Fans can pick up a Christmas tree from Anawim House, located a short walk from the HarbourCats office (973 Caledonia Avenue).

Limited-time hourly offers will be promoted throughout the day on the team’s Facebook and Twitter pages and will be available at the party.

2017 SEASON TICKETS

Over 60,000 fans attended HarbourCats games in 2016 for an average of 2,239 fans per game, which led the West Coast League and ranked ninth in all of North America among summer-collegiate clubs.  Secure your favorite seat today for the 2017 season.

Seating location and pricing options are as follows—

DIAMOND CLUB SEATS (Field Level Box Seats in 2016)

$550 (SOLD OUT)

MAIN GRANDSTAND (Section 10, covered)

$395

PREMIUM SEATING (Sections 6-7-8-9-11-12, blue bucket seats)

$375

GENERAL ADMISSION (Silver bleachers, picnic areas, wheelchair seating, soccer grandstand)

$275

*All prices listed are base price, and do not include fees or GST.

Visit the HarbourCats office at 101-1814 Vancouver Street or call (778)-265-0327 to purchase season tickets or for more information. You can also email brittany@harbourcats.com for further details, or go to the team website at harbourcats.com.

2017 SEATTLE VACATION

The HarbourCats are staging their second consecutive fan vacation to Seattle in 2017 to see the Blue Jays take on the Mariners.

The 2017 vacation takes place June 9-11, 2017 and will include:

• Travel on Wilson’s Transportation buses from to and from Victoria and Seattle. Ferry cost also included.
• Field level tickets for all three Blue Jays @ Mariners games at Safeco Field.
• Two nights at the Hilton Embassy Lynnwood.

Total cost is $798 per person (based on double occupancy). Different rates available for triple as well as single occupancy.

Registration for HarbourCats season ticket holders is $725 (based on double occupancy). The trip is not expected to interfere with the HarbourCats home schedule, as the team is expected to be on the road during this time.

To register, contact Carey Shelby at Flight Centre (1-866-299-5614) or carey.shelby@flightcentre.ca

OFFICE HOURS

The HarbourCats office (1814 Vancouver Street, 778-265-0327) is open and operating under off-season hours.

Off-season hours are as follows:

MONDAY-THURSDAY – 10:00am-6:00pm

FRIDAY – 10:00am-4:00pm

 SATURDAY-SUNDAY – Closed (Except by appointment)