Tuesday, October 28, 2003 - Edmonton Aviators News Release - www.aviatorssoccer.com

 

EDMONTON, ALB -- Edmonton's newest professional sports franchise will now be known as the Edmonton Aviators Soccer Club. The Edmonton Aviators name was chosen following careful consideration and community consultation. It is intended to honor and commemorate Edmonton's rich aviation history.

"Our organization felt strongly that the name selected should reflect Edmonton's history. Our name is a tribute to our city's rich and notable aviation history," said Wylie Stafford - President of the Edmonton Aviators Soccer Club.

In 1926, Edmonton owned the first licensed airport, Blatchford Field.  As well,  Pioneer Bush pilots, engineers, aircraft salvagers and smoke jumpers, who made Edmonton their home, played a significant role in opening the development of Canada's northland. Of course, Edmonton airfields also played a significant role in World War II. The Northwest Staging Route was opened in 1940, which allowed for the transport of key aircraft and supplies from the U.S. to Fairbanks. These airfields were critical following the outbreak of war with Japan and because of Russia's immediate need for aircraft.

These daring young aviators made Edmonton proud. They continue to amaze historians and aviation enthusiasts alike.

"We are excited that our club is about to make history. We have committed to fielding two teams that will make Edmonton proud and believe that our teams and Edmonton's historic 'aviators' have some common attributes," said Stafford. "The players on Edmonton's new Men's and Women's teams, like Aviators, will be daring high flyers with plenty of skill, drive and determination. We expect that our Aviators players will be heroic to our youth and strong contributors to our community."

The Edmonton Aviators logo is inspired by fighter plane fuselage art and squadron iconography. It's playful and fun, yet very aggressive. The aviator is wearing a skull cap fashioned from a soccer ball that is flying through the air from a kick so hard it leaves fire in it's wake. The three flames depict the capital E for Edmonton.

The logo can be viewed on the Edmonton Aviators website at www.aviatorssoccer.com.  Merchandise can be purchased at the Edmonton Aviators Ticket Office at 11041 105th Avenue between 8:30 and 4:30 weekdays.

The Edmonton Aviators are the newest addition to Edmonton's professional sports scene. Both the Aviators Men's and Women's soccer teams will play in the United Soccer Leagues. Both teams will play at Commonwealth Stadium beginning in spring of 2004.