Cosmos Sports, which is located on Bonhill Rd., has been entrusted by the National Women's Hockey League's (NWHL) ownership group to help restructure the league as it aims to operate again in the 2008-09 season.
Domenic Serafino, chairman of the NWHL's Eastern Division, which includes the Mississauga Aeros, said, “we are very optimistic that the future of women’s hockey is bright.
“When we suspended operations for the current season, while many were skeptical, it was the only way to ensure successful women’s hockey for many years to come. The first step is to bring the professional expertise of Cosmos Sports to the table to help lead and re-focus our efforts.”
The sports marketing firm will begin by conducting a feasibility study.
Cosmos Sports, led by former Hamilton Bulldogs president Cary Kaplan, has experience in team and league management, having trained trained over 200 teams in sales, marketing and business operations. Company staff currently consult for the Central Hockey League and Canadian Soccer League, among others.
“With the best women’s hockey players in the world, we believe that the passion, the quality of product, and the potential fan base for women’s hockey are strong,” said Kaplan. “The challenge has been the ability for teams to put business first, and provide an environment for fans, sponsors and media to embrace women’s hockey. We look forward to being a part of the re-branding and growth of women’s pro hockey.”
The feasibility report, expected to be unveiled in September, will focus on target markets, branding strategies, league structure and strategy, team marketing efforts, and new franchises.
