Surge Unveils Medical Partnership, a Special Community Celebration and the New Mascot 

Worcester, MA … The New England Surge of the Continental Indoor Football League, (CIFL), is pleased to announce the establishment of a new Sports Medicine partnership with Saint Vincent Hospital.  The partnership, a three-season deal, will provide the New England Surge with top-notch medical care catering to the unique needs of a professional athletic team.  The eminently qualified physicians who will be caring for the Surge include Dr. William Balcom, Dr. Stephen Desio, Dr. Peter Lindblad, Dr. Gary Peters, Dr. William Morgan, and Dr. Bradley Schaffer.  This outstanding physician team roster offers years of highly successful major league, minor league, Olympic and related sports medicine expertise gained with many high-profile organizations.

Roy Lucas, Jr., Founder and President of the Surge states, “I am very excited to be teaming with Saint Vincent Hospital and the team physicians as our sports medical provider.  These physicians have had extensive rather unique experiences with high-profile teams, and we are pleased to join with them to ensure we stay healthy and have a winning season.”  Lucas continues, “With some of the best facilities and sports medicine professionals, the New England Surge is in good hands.” 

As part of the agreement, Saint Vincent Hospital will provide the Surge players with athletic training and a complete array of medical services for the team, from pre-season physicals to on-site injury care during games, as well as any needed diagnostic imaging, surgical care and related therapy follow up.  They will be utilizing medical facilities at Saint Vincent Hospital which is directly across the street from the DCU Center, home of the New England Surge.

“We are thrilled to be able to create this partnership with the Surge as they bring professional indoor football to our region,” said John E. Smithhisler, President and CEO of Saint Vincent Hospital.  “We look forward to our role in keeping the team healthy and in top physical form to play at their best.  Saint Vincent Hospital is also the Official Sports Medicine Provider for the Worcester Tornadoes, The College of the Holy Cross, the Worcester Sharks and we are very pleased to now add the New England Surge to our sports medicine family.” 

The partnership of the New England Surge and Saint Vincent Hospital provides many opportunities for both entities to work in tandem to promote mutual goals in the community.  One of the first events to be co-hosted is scheduled for Monday April 2, 2007 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the Atrium at Saint Vincent Hospital (Speakers are slated to begin at 5:15PM).  It will give an opportunity for city officials, business leaders, schools, fans, the media and others to meet and greet the New England Surge organization including players and cheerleaders, as well as the Saint Vincent Hospital administration and team of Sports Medicine physicians.  The ceremony highlight will be debuting the long-awaited Surge mascot and unveiling the winning name, while recognizing the Telegram & Gazette “Name the Mascot” winner.  The Telegram & Gazette in conjunction with the New England Surge launched a “Name the Mascot” campaign inviting grade school children K-5 to color an image of the lovable Surge Mascot and participate in naming it.  The winner and winning name will be announced at this event.  More details to come as plans for this special event are finalized.