In a press conference Wednesday morning, Orangeville Crushers President Dale Hawerchuk announced what could possibly be their biggest move in the last two years, they will be leaving the MidWestern Junior B hockey league to become the newest entry into the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League.

The move which had been speculated and talked about over the past while became official after receiving final approval from the Ontario Hockey Association on Tuesday. The Crusher bid had already been accepted by the OPJAHL earlier in a vote of 33-3 of its member teams.

"It's what is in the best interests for the Crushers and the community to make the jump," said Hawerchuk, "This is our opportunity to put the best product on the ice which has been our goal from the outset."

Having toiled to mixed revues in the MidWestern B loop for the past number of years, it was felt by many associated with the organization that this was the best route for the team to pursue.

Being hampered by a variety of issues from import rules to the proximity of a number of "A" and University centres has affected the clubs' ability not only to attract players but has also impacted their ability to hang onto them as they age and skills improve.

General Manager Robin Inscoe pointed out that, "it is hard to create a winning

team if every year you're consistently starting with only two or three returning players. We want to make this a place where they are going as opposed to going through."

Owner Peter Bobechko, who assumed ownership of the team two years ago, put it this way, "We have legitimately tried our best in the B level. This move is the culmination of a lot of things and our efforts of the last few years."

Orangeville will compete in the OPJAHL Northern Division which includes teams from Aurora, Newmarket, Stouffville, Collingwood, Couchiching (Orillia), Seguin (Parry Sound) and Huntsville.

They will play a 49 game season, slated to start early in September. It will also see the team participate in a number of tournaments including the Governors Showcase weekend at the end of September as well as the Newmarket Showcase Tournament at Christmas. One person that will be

taking on much of the responsibility for the product that will take to the ice in the fall is new coach Steve Chelios who was also announced at Wednesday's briefing.

Replacing Scott Sutton who was behind the Crusher bench for the 2005-06 campaign, Chelios is the younger brother of NHL veteran Chris Chelios. No stranger to the game, Steve will be bringing with him a wealth of playing and coaching experience.

"For now, I am coming into it with my eyes and ears open and my mouth shut," joked Chelios. "The past is out the window and this is a fresh start for the team." He said.

While 17 of 18 players from last year's team who are eligible to play for the team have expressed a commitment to try out for the squad this season, Chelios makes it clear that he has been given the green light from management to pick the team that will be the most competitive.

His plan is for a "fast, aggressive, physical hockey team with a winning attitude" and one thing in particular they will be looking at in players is those with "character" and who are "hungry" for the opportunity to play at this level.

The first step in that process will take place sooner than later.

Next weekend, the team will be holding their first rookie camp at Teen Ranch sponsored by Boston Pizza.

Each player will participate in five intra-squad games and successful candidates

will earn an invitation back to the next camp slated for June 9, 10 and 11th also at Teen Ranch.

Cost for this first outing will be $150 and in addition to the five games, players will also receive a Crushers camp jersey.

Anyone interested in participating or wishing further information can go to the Crushers website www.orangevillecrushers. ca or call General Manager Robin Inscoe at (416)846-1383 or Assistant General Manger Mike Johnson at (519)941-6529.