The
Missouri Mavericks, in conjunction with the Central Hockey League
(CHL), announced Thursday the 2012-13 regular season schedule. The
Mavericks will open up their fourth season on Friday, October 19 in
Denver, Colorado against the expansion Denver Cutthroats. Missouri will
open the home portion of the schedule on Saturday, November 3 against
the Wichita Thunder at Independence Events Center. The 2012-13 schedule
consists of 66 games – 33 at Independence Events Center and 33 road
contests – and every game will be broadcast live on 1660-AM KMBZ. The
Mavericks’ home schedule features 27 ‘weekend’ games (13 Fridays, 13
Saturdays, 1 Sunday), and all non-Sunday games will begin at 7:05 p.m.
Individual
tickets for all 33 regular season home games will go on sale on
Tuesday, September 25 at noon. All individual tickets are available
through Ticketmaster. Season tickets are on sale now, and Mavericks
mini-plans will go on sale at the Mavericks Fan Fest on September 8 at
Independence Events Center.
The
Mavericks will continue many of their popular promotions for the
2012-13 season including Price Chopper Two-for-Tuesdays, Freedom
Fridays, Hog Wild Happy Hour and Family 4-Packs.
Price Chopper Two-for-Tuesdays
- At all five Tuesday games this season, two-for-one tickets can be
purchased starting October 1 by showing a Price Chopper card in person
at the Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.com by typing the code
‘ChopperXXXX’ in which the X’s represent the last four digits of the
Price Chopper Card. During the regular season only, fans will also be
treated to $1 hot dogs and $3 drafts all game long every Tuesday.
Freedom Fridays
– At all Friday games, all military personnel (active or non-active)
with military ID card can receive $5 off any tickets at the Box Office
only (excludes End level seating, maximum five tickets per ID). Freedom
Friday tickets will be available on October 1.
Hog Wild Happy Hour
– Blue Springs Harley Davidson presents Hog Wild Happy Hour from
5:30-6:30 p.m. before every home game. Fans can enjoy $3 drafts, $1 hot
dogs and $1 sodas for the first hour after doors are open.
Family 4-Packs
– Once again, at three select home games, the Mavericks will offer
Family 4-Packs which will include four tickets, four hot dogs and four
Pepsi products. The dates are November 23, December 31 and March 10, and
Family 4-Packs will go on sale on October 1.
The
Mavericks will also have many giveaways this year including adult and
youth jerseys, cowbells, bobble heads and many more. The full
promotional schedule will be released in the near future, go to www.MissouriMavericks.com for more information regarding specific game
events and promotions.
The
Mavericks will face off against the Quad City Mallards more than any
other team this season, a total of 13 times. Wichita and Bloomington are
the next most common opponents as the Mavs will face each of them 10
times apiece. Every team in the CHL will visit Independence Events
Center and Missouri will travel to every city in the league as well.
Missouri
will begin the season with the longest road trip at five games when
they travel to Denver, Arizona and Wichita before the home opener on
November 3. The Mavericks’ longest home stand is five games and it
starts on New Year’s Eve when the team hosts the Tulsa Oilers and ends
on January 12 against the Quad City Mallards.
The
Missouri Mavericks will host their third annual Fan Fest on Saturday,
Sept. 8 at Independence Events Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The
Mavericks will begin their fourth season of play in the CHL in October
2012.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
ROADRUNNERS ALUMNI GAME SET FOR SATURDAY IN TOPEKA
This
Saturday night at Landon Arena the Topeka RoadRunners celebrate their
history and the beginning of the 2012-2013 season with the Alumni Game.
When Don and Barbara Stone purchased the franchise in 2009, they created
the Alumni Game to serve as a homecoming for former players and as a
key component of the RoadRunners season-launching FanFest Weekend. In
the inaugural contest, a wily bunch of Alumni shocked the new
RoadRunners with a 1-0 win. In 2010, in a more wide open affair, the
RoadRunners overcame the Alumni by a score of 7-5. After a year hiatus,
the Alumni Game is back with a brand new format that will pit two teams
of former RoadRunners against each other. The Alumni game is a unique
opportunity for fans to honor the stars of the past who have gone on to
college, pro hockey, coaching or other careers.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Missouri Comets Fan Fest
The
Comets Fan Fest is a free event from 3 – 6pm on September 29th at
Independence Events Center. Fans can take part in numerous interactive
activities, pick your seat at the IEC, gather autographs from Comets
players, and be one of the first fans to see the unveiling of the Comets
kit for the 2012-2013 season.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Boulevard Brewing Tests Plaza Merchandise Store
Boulevard Brewing Co. plans to open a holiday merchandise-only store on Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza.
The locally based brewer is referring to the location, which will be open from mid-September through mid-January, as the “Boulevard Dry Goods Store,” said Jeremy Ragonese, director of marketing. Translated: Don’t expect to get your beer there.
The announcement came this week in a low-key manner — a sign hung in the window.
“This is a unique opportunity to further reach new consumers with our brand,” Ragonese said, adding that places such as the Plaza were where people first discovered Boulevard beers.
Wares will include Boulevard merchandise, apparel and bar goods for the home, as well as books. Also, locally sourced products will be available, such as Hammerpress posters and coasters, Scarlett Garnet customized jewelry that incorporates some Boulevard items, and some Baldwin denim.
“We’ll have some things that we won’t necessarily carry in the gift shop at the brewery,” Ragonese said.
The scheme began earlier this year, when Plaza owner Highwoods Properties Inc. (NYSE: HIW) contacted Boulevard about its interest in a seasonal location. The 1,277-square-foot space is at 4703 Broadway St., next to Chico’s and across from Lucky Brand Jeans and the Apple Store.
Initial hiring is complete for the Boulevard store, but staffing demands could change after the opening, Ragonese said. The general manager is Amber Ayres, who also manages the gift shop at the brewery.
Boulevard doesn’t have specific sales expectations for the merchandise store because it’s so different in scale from the gift shop.
“It’s all new for us,” Ragonese said. (source Kansas City Business Journal)
The locally based brewer is referring to the location, which will be open from mid-September through mid-January, as the “Boulevard Dry Goods Store,” said Jeremy Ragonese, director of marketing. Translated: Don’t expect to get your beer there.
The announcement came this week in a low-key manner — a sign hung in the window.
“This is a unique opportunity to further reach new consumers with our brand,” Ragonese said, adding that places such as the Plaza were where people first discovered Boulevard beers.
Wares will include Boulevard merchandise, apparel and bar goods for the home, as well as books. Also, locally sourced products will be available, such as Hammerpress posters and coasters, Scarlett Garnet customized jewelry that incorporates some Boulevard items, and some Baldwin denim.
“We’ll have some things that we won’t necessarily carry in the gift shop at the brewery,” Ragonese said.
The scheme began earlier this year, when Plaza owner Highwoods Properties Inc. (NYSE: HIW) contacted Boulevard about its interest in a seasonal location. The 1,277-square-foot space is at 4703 Broadway St., next to Chico’s and across from Lucky Brand Jeans and the Apple Store.
Initial hiring is complete for the Boulevard store, but staffing demands could change after the opening, Ragonese said. The general manager is Amber Ayres, who also manages the gift shop at the brewery.
Boulevard doesn’t have specific sales expectations for the merchandise store because it’s so different in scale from the gift shop.
“It’s all new for us,” Ragonese said. (source Kansas City Business Journal)
Thursday, August 23, 2012
New Indoor Football Team Introduces Itself To Kansas City
The
Kansas City Command won’t take the field next season, but Kansas City
arena football fans will get a new team in a new league.
A spokesman for the Command would say only that the team won’t play next season. The Command played in the Arena Football League.
The unnamed new team will play in the Champions Professional Indoor Football League, a newly created regional league that so far includes teams from Wichita; Tulsa, Okla.; Sedalia, Mo.; and Sioux City, Iowa. Two more teams are expected to be announced soon. The league could play with as many as 10 teams.
“We’re not trying to be a national organization like the AFL,” said Reggie Harris, general manager of the new Kansas City team. “What we’re trying to do is create a league that is more accessible for fans and that has a financial situation that works.”
Harris, who in 2005 was general manager of Command predecessor the Kansas City Brigade, said that average ticket prices for the new team will be about $20 but that fans will be able to see a game for as little as $10 a ticket.
“We want this to be very affordable for families,” Harris said. “You can go see a game for about as much as it would cost to go to a movie.”
The new team will play at Kemper Arena, which with 17,000 seats will be the league’s largest arena. The 12-week season will start in late February; the playoffs will end by July 1.
The Kansas City team is owned by Jeremy Ploeger, who is founder of sports management firm J&M Management, vice chairman of the Jackson County Board of Planning & Zoning Adjustments and a former candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives in the 51st District.
The Brigade went out of business when the AFL reorganized at the end of the 2009 season. The AFL returned in 2010; the Kansas City team — which became the Command — returned for the 2011 season.
The new team already announced several players:
A spokesman for the Command would say only that the team won’t play next season. The Command played in the Arena Football League.
The unnamed new team will play in the Champions Professional Indoor Football League, a newly created regional league that so far includes teams from Wichita; Tulsa, Okla.; Sedalia, Mo.; and Sioux City, Iowa. Two more teams are expected to be announced soon. The league could play with as many as 10 teams.
“We’re not trying to be a national organization like the AFL,” said Reggie Harris, general manager of the new Kansas City team. “What we’re trying to do is create a league that is more accessible for fans and that has a financial situation that works.”
Harris, who in 2005 was general manager of Command predecessor the Kansas City Brigade, said that average ticket prices for the new team will be about $20 but that fans will be able to see a game for as little as $10 a ticket.
“We want this to be very affordable for families,” Harris said. “You can go see a game for about as much as it would cost to go to a movie.”
The new team will play at Kemper Arena, which with 17,000 seats will be the league’s largest arena. The 12-week season will start in late February; the playoffs will end by July 1.
The Kansas City team is owned by Jeremy Ploeger, who is founder of sports management firm J&M Management, vice chairman of the Jackson County Board of Planning & Zoning Adjustments and a former candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives in the 51st District.
The Brigade went out of business when the AFL reorganized at the end of the 2009 season. The AFL returned in 2010; the Kansas City team — which became the Command — returned for the 2011 season.
The new team already announced several players:
- Carson Coffman will play quarterback. A Kansas State Wildcat from 2006 to 2010, he threw for 3,224 yards and 17 touchdowns, running for 278 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last year, he played for the Utah Blaze in the Arena Football League. He’s the son of Paul Coffman, a three-time Pro Bowl tight end who played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.
- Diyral Briggs will play linebacker. Briggs has NFL experience playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers, where he won a Super Bowl ring. Last season, he played for the Kansas City Command.
- Cornelius “Pig” Brown played for the University of Missouri and was a third-round draft pick for the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, he played in the Indoor Football League for the River City Rage and the Omaha Beef.
- O.J. Simpson played wide receiver for Missouri Western State University. He spent last season with the Kansas City Command.
- Tommy Chavis will play defensive line. He played college football for the University of Missouri and earned Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2007. He played for the Kansas City Command in 2012; the year before, he led the Indoor Football League with 16.5 sacks in 11 games.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The Rise And Fall Of The AFL In Kansas City
First,
I want to state that the demise of the Kansas City Brigade/Command is
not all Chris Likens fault. The economic collapse of 2008 has affected
every sport in the land. Even the almighty NFL and NASCAR have had to
adjust their economic models in these tough times. The AFL is no
different. After several years of supposed growth, with franchises
selling for as much as a reported twenty million dollars and top end
players making two hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year, the league
shut down for a year for restructuring. When they returned, a large
number of fans did not. AFL strongholds such as Tampa Bay, Orlando,
Arizona and San Jose did not come close to their pre–restructuring
attendance numbers. Also, you had franchises folding or moving to find a
viable market. The league is at a crossroads and needs a visionary
leader and I do not believe Jerry Kurz is that man, but that is a story
for another day.
As far as Kansas City is concerned, we need to go back to 2005. That is when a group announced they were pursuing an AFL franchise for the Kansas City area. Upon hearing about this I immediately contacted the group about helping them with their pursuit. Over the next nine months I was in constant contact with this group helping with possible corporate season ticket accounts. I eventually parted ways with the group just before the inaugural kickoff but still maintained in contact with some front office people.
The original ownership group did not have enough financial backing to maintain the franchise and that is when Chris Likens stepped up to help them out. I give Mr. Likens credit for making the move to help out the local sports landscape. He did not have to do this. He was a successful business man who did not have to sink his money into a money pit that most sports teams turn out to be. He saw it as a civic duty.
Soon after Likens came aboard as an owner the original ownership group left one by one. The thought of most people I talked to that were still with the team is that they were forced out by Likens. After he was the sole owner Likens made what I thought was a smart move. He brought in a person with AFL front office experience (I believe he had worked for either Iowa or Chicago) as Director of Football Operations. This relationship did not last for more than one season because the individual was looking for a General Manager position and Likens did not want to have one for the Brigade. This is when I believe things took a turn for the worse for this franchise. Likens started bringing in family to run the franchise. His son was named president and his brother (if I remember right) became Director of Operations. He also hired other family members for positions with the team. None of these individuals had any experience in sports. Likens owns a successful mortgage business and I believe that he thought he could just move people over from that business to the Brigade and they would not miss a beat. Now professional sports are still a business and the goal is to turn a profit but it is a totally different animal than the mortgage business. The New York Yankees are an extremely successful franchise but would you hire Brian Cashman (the GM) as the next CEO of Bank Of America and expect him to know everything about banking. This was a case of “The Blind Leading The Blind“.
On the field the Brigade had only mild success. The team finished their 2006 inaugural season with a record of 3–13, placing them fifth in the National Conference Southern Division.
In their second season the Brigade achieved a 10–6 record, earning the American Conference's #3 seed. They hosted their first playoff game, a wild-card matchup, with the American Conference's #6 seed, the Colorado Crush. Unfortunately for the Brigade, the Crush won 49–42, despite Colorado coming into the game with a 4-game losing streak.
The 2008 season saw the team move into their new home, the Sprint Center. Again Likens made a bad move. After making the playoffs the year before he cut payroll putting out an inferior product. Again this is only my opinion but I believe he thought that people would show up to games to see the new arena and it did not matter if the team was competitive. This strategy did not work. As losing mounted the attendance dropped. The low point of the season came in week four when the Brigade lost to the Grand Rapids Rampage 92–52. The team again finished 3-13 and fourth in the American Conference Central Division.
There would be no 2009 season as the league shut down to restructure their business plan. The one that was in place and implemented by outgoing commissioner David Baker was failing. It featured over–inflated franchise values and player salaries that could not be maintained.
The AFL returned in 2010 but the Brigade did not. Most Kansas City fans thought that the AFL was dead in this town but they still held out hope that it could come back. They were rewarded in 2011 with Likens bringing back the franchise. There was a name the team contest and the name ‘Command’ won. Most people I talked to felt it was not a true contest. They thought (myself included), that the team just wanted a name that more closely tied in with the existing logo. That they had no intention of completely changing the name and logo.
The management mistakes picked up where they left off. Hiring people that had little or no experience with the AFL. The one bright spot was the hiring of Nick McCabe as Director of Communications. McCabe has extensive experience in Kansas City sports radio.
When it came to marketing the team during their return, most people asked the same question. “Where is it?” The only time you saw or heard a commercial for the team was during a game broadcast. I think that demographic is already aware of your team.
The Command formed a partnership with the Missouri Comets of the Major Indoor Soccer League. I felt this was a smart move. Both teams would have a chance to cross promote each other and there was the possibility of season ticket bundling. The Comets had done a great job of marketing themselves and embracing technology (besides the standard Twitter and Facebook accounts and email updates they also developed smartphone apps). For some reason the Command did not take advantage of this and continued with business as usual.
On the field, the Command continued their sorry performance. In 2011 the team finished 6-12 and 3-15 in 2012. The average attendance for the two seasons was around 4,300. This was after averaging 13,200 in the three previous seasons.
I felt this was the ‘Make Or Break’ year for the team but diehard fans said Likens told them he was in it for the long haul. That he had stated that it took the MLS fifteen years to catch on in Kansas City. Well, I guess the long haul was only two years, because the Command is as dead as disco.
I had held off on writing this article until the team made an official announcement but here it is a month since their season ended and almost two weeks since the ArenaBowl and no announcement. This team did not die with a bang. Hell! It didn’t even die with a wimper. It died with silence and very few mourners (I think more people are disappointed to see arena football end in KC then they are to see the end of the Command).
Now the original owners are back with a team in the new Champions Professional Indoor Football League. It will be a regional league and considered very minor league compared to the AFL. They will play games at Kemper Arena (the Brigade’s original home) and hope to rekindle the excitement that the Brigade had in it’s heyday. Well guys, good luck and I have a piece of advice for you. “Don’t hire your son, brother, uncle or niece. Hire people that have front office experience in indoor football or minor league sports.”
As far as Kansas City is concerned, we need to go back to 2005. That is when a group announced they were pursuing an AFL franchise for the Kansas City area. Upon hearing about this I immediately contacted the group about helping them with their pursuit. Over the next nine months I was in constant contact with this group helping with possible corporate season ticket accounts. I eventually parted ways with the group just before the inaugural kickoff but still maintained in contact with some front office people.
The original ownership group did not have enough financial backing to maintain the franchise and that is when Chris Likens stepped up to help them out. I give Mr. Likens credit for making the move to help out the local sports landscape. He did not have to do this. He was a successful business man who did not have to sink his money into a money pit that most sports teams turn out to be. He saw it as a civic duty.
Soon after Likens came aboard as an owner the original ownership group left one by one. The thought of most people I talked to that were still with the team is that they were forced out by Likens. After he was the sole owner Likens made what I thought was a smart move. He brought in a person with AFL front office experience (I believe he had worked for either Iowa or Chicago) as Director of Football Operations. This relationship did not last for more than one season because the individual was looking for a General Manager position and Likens did not want to have one for the Brigade. This is when I believe things took a turn for the worse for this franchise. Likens started bringing in family to run the franchise. His son was named president and his brother (if I remember right) became Director of Operations. He also hired other family members for positions with the team. None of these individuals had any experience in sports. Likens owns a successful mortgage business and I believe that he thought he could just move people over from that business to the Brigade and they would not miss a beat. Now professional sports are still a business and the goal is to turn a profit but it is a totally different animal than the mortgage business. The New York Yankees are an extremely successful franchise but would you hire Brian Cashman (the GM) as the next CEO of Bank Of America and expect him to know everything about banking. This was a case of “The Blind Leading The Blind“.
On the field the Brigade had only mild success. The team finished their 2006 inaugural season with a record of 3–13, placing them fifth in the National Conference Southern Division.
In their second season the Brigade achieved a 10–6 record, earning the American Conference's #3 seed. They hosted their first playoff game, a wild-card matchup, with the American Conference's #6 seed, the Colorado Crush. Unfortunately for the Brigade, the Crush won 49–42, despite Colorado coming into the game with a 4-game losing streak.
The 2008 season saw the team move into their new home, the Sprint Center. Again Likens made a bad move. After making the playoffs the year before he cut payroll putting out an inferior product. Again this is only my opinion but I believe he thought that people would show up to games to see the new arena and it did not matter if the team was competitive. This strategy did not work. As losing mounted the attendance dropped. The low point of the season came in week four when the Brigade lost to the Grand Rapids Rampage 92–52. The team again finished 3-13 and fourth in the American Conference Central Division.
There would be no 2009 season as the league shut down to restructure their business plan. The one that was in place and implemented by outgoing commissioner David Baker was failing. It featured over–inflated franchise values and player salaries that could not be maintained.
The AFL returned in 2010 but the Brigade did not. Most Kansas City fans thought that the AFL was dead in this town but they still held out hope that it could come back. They were rewarded in 2011 with Likens bringing back the franchise. There was a name the team contest and the name ‘Command’ won. Most people I talked to felt it was not a true contest. They thought (myself included), that the team just wanted a name that more closely tied in with the existing logo. That they had no intention of completely changing the name and logo.
The management mistakes picked up where they left off. Hiring people that had little or no experience with the AFL. The one bright spot was the hiring of Nick McCabe as Director of Communications. McCabe has extensive experience in Kansas City sports radio.
When it came to marketing the team during their return, most people asked the same question. “Where is it?” The only time you saw or heard a commercial for the team was during a game broadcast. I think that demographic is already aware of your team.
The Command formed a partnership with the Missouri Comets of the Major Indoor Soccer League. I felt this was a smart move. Both teams would have a chance to cross promote each other and there was the possibility of season ticket bundling. The Comets had done a great job of marketing themselves and embracing technology (besides the standard Twitter and Facebook accounts and email updates they also developed smartphone apps). For some reason the Command did not take advantage of this and continued with business as usual.
On the field, the Command continued their sorry performance. In 2011 the team finished 6-12 and 3-15 in 2012. The average attendance for the two seasons was around 4,300. This was after averaging 13,200 in the three previous seasons.
I felt this was the ‘Make Or Break’ year for the team but diehard fans said Likens told them he was in it for the long haul. That he had stated that it took the MLS fifteen years to catch on in Kansas City. Well, I guess the long haul was only two years, because the Command is as dead as disco.
I had held off on writing this article until the team made an official announcement but here it is a month since their season ended and almost two weeks since the ArenaBowl and no announcement. This team did not die with a bang. Hell! It didn’t even die with a wimper. It died with silence and very few mourners (I think more people are disappointed to see arena football end in KC then they are to see the end of the Command).
Now the original owners are back with a team in the new Champions Professional Indoor Football League. It will be a regional league and considered very minor league compared to the AFL. They will play games at Kemper Arena (the Brigade’s original home) and hope to rekindle the excitement that the Brigade had in it’s heyday. Well guys, good luck and I have a piece of advice for you. “Don’t hire your son, brother, uncle or niece. Hire people that have front office experience in indoor football or minor league sports.”
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Kansas Magic Gain Another Midwest Rival
The Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL) announced the Rockford Rampage have joined the league for the 2012/13 season.
The Rampage, who previously have competed in the AISL and NISL/MISL before sitting out the last two seasons, will once again be guided by Head Coach Jeff Kraft. His assistant coach will be Armando Sanchez.
Rockford made three straight championship appearances from 2006/07 to 2008/09, winning the AISL title in 2007.
The Rockford Rampage will play their games at Victory Sports Complex in Loves Park where they played their memorable 2007 championship season. Saul Robles, owner of Victory Sports Complex, will serve as President of the Rampage.
"The Rampage is back!" said Kraft. "We look forward to renewing old rivalries and mixing it up with new competition in the PASL."
The Rampage will announce a press conference shortly to reintroduce themselves to the local media and public.
The Rampage, who previously have competed in the AISL and NISL/MISL before sitting out the last two seasons, will once again be guided by Head Coach Jeff Kraft. His assistant coach will be Armando Sanchez.
Rockford made three straight championship appearances from 2006/07 to 2008/09, winning the AISL title in 2007.
The Rockford Rampage will play their games at Victory Sports Complex in Loves Park where they played their memorable 2007 championship season. Saul Robles, owner of Victory Sports Complex, will serve as President of the Rampage.
"The Rampage is back!" said Kraft. "We look forward to renewing old rivalries and mixing it up with new competition in the PASL."
The Rampage will announce a press conference shortly to reintroduce themselves to the local media and public.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Missouri Mavericks To Host 3rd Annual Fan Club Golf
The
Missouri Mavericks will be hosting their 3rd Annual "Golf With A
Maverick" on Friday Oct 5th at Drumm Farm Golf Club )15400 East 34th
Street, Independence, MO 64055, www.drummfarmgolfclub.com ).
The schedule will be:
10:30 Registration Begins
11:30‐1:00 Lunch
12:00 Live Player Auction (Bid for the chance to play with your favorite Mavericks player)
1:15 Shotgun Start
Dinner & Awards Following the End of Play
For More Information click HERE
The schedule will be:
10:30 Registration Begins
11:30‐1:00 Lunch
12:00 Live Player Auction (Bid for the chance to play with your favorite Mavericks player)
1:15 Shotgun Start
Dinner & Awards Following the End of Play
For More Information click HERE
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Missouri Mavericks To Host Fan Fest & Blood Drive
The Mavericks will make special announcements throughout the day regarding the fan experience at Mavs' games. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in "Q & A" sessions with the Mavericks' staff, coaches and select players at the event. Throughout the day, there will also be many interactive games and events for children.
"We are looking forward to seeing our great fans at this year's Fan Fest," said Brent Thiessen, Mavericks President and General Manager. "This is always a great event to kickoff the season and we will strive to make this season the best yet."
Also during the Fan Fest, Mavericks' defenseman David Simoes will be teaming up with the American Red Cross for a blood drive. The cause became important to the defenseman when his daughter, Lucy, was born premature, and weighed just one pound, 10 ounces when she was delivered. Simoes said for him and his wife, seeing their newborn in a hospital, strapped to machines, "was definitely a scary time."
As part of her treatment, Lucy was given a blood transfusion. Upon receiving that transfusion Simoes said Lucy's color began to change and she began looking better and healthier. Now, she and her family are doing fine.
"In the end, it made her stronger and it brought my wife and I closer together," Simoes said.
You could help save a life, or prolong the life of someone in need.
"Even if your blood can't save someone, you're going to help someone regardless," David said.
"We are excited to partner with the American Red Cross and incorporate a blood drive this year at Fan Fest; it is a great opportunity for the Mavericks and our fans to make a difference," said Thiessen. "David Simoes is leading the charge with the blood drive and his personal story is a moving one. We hope that many of you will consider giving blood at this year's Fan Fest."
To make an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: MAVERICKS.
The Fan Fest will also be the first time fans can purchase mini-plans for the Mavericks upcoming season. Fans will have the choice of eight-plus or 16-plus game mini-plans and they will be on sale for the first time on September 8.
The Mavericks season schedule along with more details regarding Fan Fest will be announced in the coming weeks.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Topeka RoadRunners Announce FanFest Weekend
The FanFest kicks off on Friday at 7 pm with the RoadRunners exhibition game against the North Iowa Bulls of the NA3HL (North American Tier III Hockey League).
On Saturday, at 10 am, the RoadRunners have their morning skate followed by the Alumni morning skate at 11 am. Both are open to the public. From noon until 2 pm, fans will be able to skate the rink and mingle with some of their favorite RoadRunners. At 4 pm, the Tailgate Party gets things started in the Expocentre parking lot. At 5:15 pm, the Alumni Game begins as the legends of the franchise battle it out in Landon Arena. Then, at 7:30 pm, the Topeka RoadRunners cap the night with their second game against the North Iowa Bulls.
After three fun-filled days, the FanFest wraps up with the annual BlueWhite game on Monday at 6 pm. Admission to this intra-squad event is free.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
NHL21 Says NHL lockout talk doesn’t dampen ticket sales for Kansas City preseason game
Talk
of a potential National Hockey League lockout isn’t checking ticket
sales for October hockey games planned at Kansas City’s Sprint Center.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recently set a Sept. 15 deadline for the National Hockey League Players Association to reach a new collective bargaining agreement with team owners. Ownership seeks to reduce the players’ portion of revenue sharing from 57 percent to 46 percent and wants less flexibility in player contracts.
But hockey boosters in Kansas City aren’t letting the labor dispute stand in their way.
Sprint Center is scheduled to host a preseason game between the New York Rangers and the Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 6.
“We’re moving forward, business as usual,” said Paul McGannon, president of NHL21, a group of people trying to land an NHL team in Kansas City. “We’re happy with the presale. It’s gone well so far.”
Interest remains high, and the game has plenty in its favor.
For one, it comes on the heels of last year’s preseason game between the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins, which sold out two weeks before the event.
On top of that, this year’s game is scheduled on a Saturday instead of midweek.
And the game is one of the Rangers’ last preseason games before their Oct. 11 season opener. The team’s arena is under renovation, so many players who will make the final roster are expected to be at the Kansas City game getting some ice time.
The last time the NHL headed into a lockout was 2004-05, and the league canceled the entire season. NHL21 had a preseason game scheduled in Kansas City the last time a lockout occurred, and fans were given full refunds.
The lockout angered many hockey fans, but team owners are concerned that the current revenue-sharing rules are a big reason for the financial woes being experienced by teams such as the owner-less Phoenix Coyotes and the debt-laden New Jersey Devils.
“We’re hopeful that the new collective bargaining agreement will be Kansas City-friendly, meaning we’d like to see some revenue sharing in there, like baseball and football, that would help a city like ours flourish in the NHL,” McGannon said.
The weekend after the planned NHL game, the Sprint Center will host the 16th Annual Ice Breaker Tournament, featuring college hockey teams from Army, Notre Dame, the University of Maine and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
“We need to show well for the Ice Breaker Tournament,” McGannon said. “It’s nationally televised. Doing well there could lead to landing a regional hockey tournament and eventually a Frozen Four.” (source Kansas City Business Journal)
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recently set a Sept. 15 deadline for the National Hockey League Players Association to reach a new collective bargaining agreement with team owners. Ownership seeks to reduce the players’ portion of revenue sharing from 57 percent to 46 percent and wants less flexibility in player contracts.
But hockey boosters in Kansas City aren’t letting the labor dispute stand in their way.
Sprint Center is scheduled to host a preseason game between the New York Rangers and the Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 6.
“We’re moving forward, business as usual,” said Paul McGannon, president of NHL21, a group of people trying to land an NHL team in Kansas City. “We’re happy with the presale. It’s gone well so far.”
Interest remains high, and the game has plenty in its favor.
For one, it comes on the heels of last year’s preseason game between the Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins, which sold out two weeks before the event.
On top of that, this year’s game is scheduled on a Saturday instead of midweek.
And the game is one of the Rangers’ last preseason games before their Oct. 11 season opener. The team’s arena is under renovation, so many players who will make the final roster are expected to be at the Kansas City game getting some ice time.
The last time the NHL headed into a lockout was 2004-05, and the league canceled the entire season. NHL21 had a preseason game scheduled in Kansas City the last time a lockout occurred, and fans were given full refunds.
The lockout angered many hockey fans, but team owners are concerned that the current revenue-sharing rules are a big reason for the financial woes being experienced by teams such as the owner-less Phoenix Coyotes and the debt-laden New Jersey Devils.
“We’re hopeful that the new collective bargaining agreement will be Kansas City-friendly, meaning we’d like to see some revenue sharing in there, like baseball and football, that would help a city like ours flourish in the NHL,” McGannon said.
The weekend after the planned NHL game, the Sprint Center will host the 16th Annual Ice Breaker Tournament, featuring college hockey teams from Army, Notre Dame, the University of Maine and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
“We need to show well for the Ice Breaker Tournament,” McGannon said. “It’s nationally televised. Doing well there could lead to landing a regional hockey tournament and eventually a Frozen Four.” (source Kansas City Business Journal)
Topeka RoadRunners Set To Kick Off Preseason At Home
The
Topeka RoadRunners will get their first chance to stretch their legs in
a weekend preseason series against the North Iowa Bulls of the North
American Tier III Hockey League (NA3HL), with the games scheduled for
7pm Friday, August 31 and 7:30 pm Saturday, September 1 at Landon Arena.
Tickets for this exhibition series are on sale at the Expocentre Box Office. All tickets are General Admission ($10). This series is not just an opportunity for fans to ease into the 2012-2013 season but also a chance for potential RoadRunners to make their mark.
"We have a number of players battling to make our final roster and having the chance to compete in a real game setting is crucial to the process", said RoadRunner Head Coach / GM Scott Langer. "We have a lot of respect for what (HHHead Coach) Todd Sanden is doing in North Iowa and for the NA3HL overall. This will be a weekend that benefits both programs."
The Bulls play out of Mason City, IA, the one-time home of the NAHL's North Iowa Outlaws. The Outlaws relocated to Onalaska, WI as the Coulee Region Chill in 2010. They are owned by the same group that owns Topeka’s South Division rival, the Amarillo Bulls.
North Iowa Head Coach / GM Todd Sanden said, "The RoadRunners willingness to bring in the North Iowa Bulls as part of their exhibition schedule proves that the relationship between the NAHL and the 3HL is a respected one. For our players it's an early look at what an NAHL operation is like on game day, and Topeka provides one of the finest." He added, "We look forward to future opportunities whether it is for exhibition games or if Coach Langer needs a player for temporary or permanent status. The 3HL is about the development and promotion of players to the North American Hockey League."
The remainder of the RoadRunners preseason schedule will soon be announced. The regular season begins for Topeka at the NAHL Showcase Tournament in Blaine, MN on Wednesday, September 12 against the Kenai River Brown Bears at 7:45 pm. The Home Opener will be against the Odessa Jackalopes on Monday September 17 in Landon Arena.
Tickets for this exhibition series are on sale at the Expocentre Box Office. All tickets are General Admission ($10). This series is not just an opportunity for fans to ease into the 2012-2013 season but also a chance for potential RoadRunners to make their mark.
"We have a number of players battling to make our final roster and having the chance to compete in a real game setting is crucial to the process", said RoadRunner Head Coach / GM Scott Langer. "We have a lot of respect for what (HHHead Coach) Todd Sanden is doing in North Iowa and for the NA3HL overall. This will be a weekend that benefits both programs."
The Bulls play out of Mason City, IA, the one-time home of the NAHL's North Iowa Outlaws. The Outlaws relocated to Onalaska, WI as the Coulee Region Chill in 2010. They are owned by the same group that owns Topeka’s South Division rival, the Amarillo Bulls.
North Iowa Head Coach / GM Todd Sanden said, "The RoadRunners willingness to bring in the North Iowa Bulls as part of their exhibition schedule proves that the relationship between the NAHL and the 3HL is a respected one. For our players it's an early look at what an NAHL operation is like on game day, and Topeka provides one of the finest." He added, "We look forward to future opportunities whether it is for exhibition games or if Coach Langer needs a player for temporary or permanent status. The 3HL is about the development and promotion of players to the North American Hockey League."
The remainder of the RoadRunners preseason schedule will soon be announced. The regular season begins for Topeka at the NAHL Showcase Tournament in Blaine, MN on Wednesday, September 12 against the Kenai River Brown Bears at 7:45 pm. The Home Opener will be against the Odessa Jackalopes on Monday September 17 in Landon Arena.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Strong Core of RoadRunners Set to Return
By Arch Ecker
As the midsummer heat beats down on the capital city of Kansas, the promise of ice in the Expocentre seems all the more tantalizing. With the RoadRunners approaching the beginning of their sixth season in Topeka and ninth season overall (tenth if you include the Lone Star Cavalry season in North Richland Hills, TX), fans become increasingly curious, anticipating which of their favorite players will be returning for the new season. There will be some great talent and some familiar names when the players report to Topeka in August.
Starting with the forwards, there are five of them from last year's roster who are currently expected to be in Topeka. Kyle Sharkey is a gifted puck handler and co-winner of the teams "Hard Hat Award" who put up 30 points in each of his first two seasons in Topeka. He wore an "A" on his sweater last season as an alternate captain is expected to provide leadership and scoring punch. "Kyle took a puck to the mouth, losing both front teeth late in the final game of the playoffs and returned to finish the game", recalled Head Coach / GM Scott Langer. "That's a level of commitment and passion you don't often see. That's the level of commitment we are looking for from every RoadRunner." Dan Dupell, another third year RoadRunner who erupted offensively last season with 22 goals (tied for the team lead) returns with his eye on helping the team reach new heights. "This team has been close for years. It's time to finish the job", he said. Sean Gaffney returns with high expectations. "He has the size, strength, and the hands to be dominant at this level", said Langer. "His hockey sense and awareness have grown, especially late last season. We look forward to seeing him continue his growth both on and off the ice." Another of the returning forwards is James Ring, who was given the teams "Most Improved" award last year. Appearing in 47 games last season, he contributed 13 points including 4 on the power play. "James has a great work ethic he is very consistent", Langer stated. "He's quietly paid his dues in practice and in the roles we've needed him in. This year should be a huge one for him." Rounding out the forwards is Jake Kamrass, who as the youngest player on the roster garnered some valuable experience at the Tier II level. He appeared in 17 games but more importantly learned what it takes to be a RoadRunner. "There will be other '94 birth years coming in this season that may still be a little starstruck at first but for Jake, he's already acclimated to all of that", said Langer. "That should put him ahead of the curve moving forward."
There's an old adage in sports that offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. If that's true, the RoadRunners can feel good about bringing back five defensemen from last year's club who combined for a plus 48 rating. Mick Bruce leads returning blueliners in that category with a plus 14 along with 6 points in 53 games played. "He's a big physical presence and advances the puck well", said Langer. Kevin Patterson returns after an impressive rookie season that saw him put up 18 points and become a fixture on the power play. Langer likes what he's seen from Patterson, saying, "Patty's work ethic and commitment to the game will put him at the very top amongst defensemen in the NAHL. He contributes offensively while staying responsible defensively." Trace Strahle led all Topeka defensemen in scoring with 19 points. "He carries the puck like a forward at times making him a great asset, and he's very intelligent when it comes to picking his spots", said Langer. "His speed makes him a great two-way player." Luke Veitch returns for his second season as well. "Luke's ability to skate and add offense from the blueline this year will be noticeable right out of the gate." He put up 10 points last season and figures to be an anchor in the coming year. Rounding out the returning blueliners is Michal Pastor. "Michal has tremendous strength and he loves to play physical", said Langer. "Michal's ability to make plays and shoot pucks adds to a very talented blue line."
The RoadRunners will welcome several players to Topeka in late August as they battle for the initial 25 roster spots. Check topekaroadrunners.com for news on open practices, "Meet the 'Runners" events, and other preseason activities.
As the midsummer heat beats down on the capital city of Kansas, the promise of ice in the Expocentre seems all the more tantalizing. With the RoadRunners approaching the beginning of their sixth season in Topeka and ninth season overall (tenth if you include the Lone Star Cavalry season in North Richland Hills, TX), fans become increasingly curious, anticipating which of their favorite players will be returning for the new season. There will be some great talent and some familiar names when the players report to Topeka in August.
Starting with the forwards, there are five of them from last year's roster who are currently expected to be in Topeka. Kyle Sharkey is a gifted puck handler and co-winner of the teams "Hard Hat Award" who put up 30 points in each of his first two seasons in Topeka. He wore an "A" on his sweater last season as an alternate captain is expected to provide leadership and scoring punch. "Kyle took a puck to the mouth, losing both front teeth late in the final game of the playoffs and returned to finish the game", recalled Head Coach / GM Scott Langer. "That's a level of commitment and passion you don't often see. That's the level of commitment we are looking for from every RoadRunner." Dan Dupell, another third year RoadRunner who erupted offensively last season with 22 goals (tied for the team lead) returns with his eye on helping the team reach new heights. "This team has been close for years. It's time to finish the job", he said. Sean Gaffney returns with high expectations. "He has the size, strength, and the hands to be dominant at this level", said Langer. "His hockey sense and awareness have grown, especially late last season. We look forward to seeing him continue his growth both on and off the ice." Another of the returning forwards is James Ring, who was given the teams "Most Improved" award last year. Appearing in 47 games last season, he contributed 13 points including 4 on the power play. "James has a great work ethic he is very consistent", Langer stated. "He's quietly paid his dues in practice and in the roles we've needed him in. This year should be a huge one for him." Rounding out the forwards is Jake Kamrass, who as the youngest player on the roster garnered some valuable experience at the Tier II level. He appeared in 17 games but more importantly learned what it takes to be a RoadRunner. "There will be other '94 birth years coming in this season that may still be a little starstruck at first but for Jake, he's already acclimated to all of that", said Langer. "That should put him ahead of the curve moving forward."
There's an old adage in sports that offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. If that's true, the RoadRunners can feel good about bringing back five defensemen from last year's club who combined for a plus 48 rating. Mick Bruce leads returning blueliners in that category with a plus 14 along with 6 points in 53 games played. "He's a big physical presence and advances the puck well", said Langer. Kevin Patterson returns after an impressive rookie season that saw him put up 18 points and become a fixture on the power play. Langer likes what he's seen from Patterson, saying, "Patty's work ethic and commitment to the game will put him at the very top amongst defensemen in the NAHL. He contributes offensively while staying responsible defensively." Trace Strahle led all Topeka defensemen in scoring with 19 points. "He carries the puck like a forward at times making him a great asset, and he's very intelligent when it comes to picking his spots", said Langer. "His speed makes him a great two-way player." Luke Veitch returns for his second season as well. "Luke's ability to skate and add offense from the blueline this year will be noticeable right out of the gate." He put up 10 points last season and figures to be an anchor in the coming year. Rounding out the returning blueliners is Michal Pastor. "Michal has tremendous strength and he loves to play physical", said Langer. "Michal's ability to make plays and shoot pucks adds to a very talented blue line."
The RoadRunners will welcome several players to Topeka in late August as they battle for the initial 25 roster spots. Check topekaroadrunners.com for news on open practices, "Meet the 'Runners" events, and other preseason activities.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Command Moving to the IFL
The
Kansas City Command will not be in the Arena Football League next
season, a source said Saturday afternoon. Instead of coming back for the
2013 season, the Command will be moving to the Indoor Football League.
Also included in the move is a name change back to the Brigade. When the original Kansas City franchise moved from New Orleans, they became the Brigade.
It is still unsure why ownership has decided to make the move to the IFL. No official announcement has been made on the issue.
It is also unsure if they will play in the Sprint Center, where the Command played the last two season, or if they will move to Kemper Arena outside of downtown.
Also included in the move is a name change back to the Brigade. When the original Kansas City franchise moved from New Orleans, they became the Brigade.
It is still unsure why ownership has decided to make the move to the IFL. No official announcement has been made on the issue.
It is also unsure if they will play in the Sprint Center, where the Command played the last two season, or if they will move to Kemper Arena outside of downtown.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Mavericks Lose Texas Rival But Gain A Missouri Rival
The
CHL announced on Tuesday that the Laredo Bucks franchise rights have
been transferred to the market of St. Charles County in Missouri and
that the new franchise will compete in the CHL beginning with the
2013-14 season and will be called the Chill. The announcement was made
on Wednesday at a press conference at the Arena Club Restaurant in The
Family Arena.
The St. Charles Chill ownership group consists of Gustavo Hernandez, Alfonso Arguindegui and Glenn Hart and the team will play its home games at The Family Arena. To learn more about The Family Arena click here.
"It is with great excitement that we announce that St. Charles and The Family Arena are now a part of the Central Hockey League family," said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner. "We know the Chill is in great hands with the very accomplished and highly decorated people that are heading up this effort. We are also very happy with the relationship that we have built with Mark (Reifsteck) and his staff and are looking forward to strengthening that bond. This strong market and outstanding facility make this a welcome addition to our current group of member teams".
"We are excited to be given the opportunity to join such an amazing community and the Family Arena," said Gustavo Hernandez, Chill Co-Owner. "We look forward to providing a quality, family friendly product on the ice and becoming a fabric of this great community."
"The Family Arena is very excited to see hockey returning to our market in addition to bringing back the ice to our venue," said Mark Reifsteck, Family Arena General Manager. "We have plans to utilize the ice in other revenue producing capacities such as league play, public skates, and special events. We are especially pleased to welcome the reputable Central Hockey League into our building. Old rivalries will return, such as the Quad City Mallards in Moline, Illinois, and new ones will be formed with the Bloomington Blaze in Bloomington, Illinois and the Missouri Mavericks in Independence, Missouri. During these economic times, we are excited to be able to offer the community a high quality sporting event at such a reasonable price for families who like hockey. We have inherited one of the top teams that played in the CHL with an ownership group that is strong and committed to their team. Our staff looks forward to that same commitment in bringing future championships to our venue. We would also like to thank the CHL League Office for their continued support during this process, especially Duane Lewis, Commissioner of the CHL. We look forward to working with him and the team over the next five years and beyond."
"The Family Arena was built to host sporting events, and we're very pleased to see hockey returning," said County Executive Steve Ehlmann. "Our goal has been to offer a wide variety of events, and the St. Charles Chill certainly will add to that. We're pleased to welcome the team and the league to St. Charles County."
The Chill fits neatly into the CHL's footprint as three clubs sit within 275 miles (Bloomington Blaze, Missouri Mavericks and Quad City Mallards) and the Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder are roughly 400 miles from the new team.
More information about season ticket deposits, the team logo and colors and the announcement of a head coach will be made in the near future.
For more information, visit the team's website at www.stcharleschill.com, Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StCharlesChill) and Twitter feed (@StCharlesChill).
The St. Charles Chill ownership group consists of Gustavo Hernandez, Alfonso Arguindegui and Glenn Hart and the team will play its home games at The Family Arena. To learn more about The Family Arena click here.
"It is with great excitement that we announce that St. Charles and The Family Arena are now a part of the Central Hockey League family," said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner. "We know the Chill is in great hands with the very accomplished and highly decorated people that are heading up this effort. We are also very happy with the relationship that we have built with Mark (Reifsteck) and his staff and are looking forward to strengthening that bond. This strong market and outstanding facility make this a welcome addition to our current group of member teams".
"We are excited to be given the opportunity to join such an amazing community and the Family Arena," said Gustavo Hernandez, Chill Co-Owner. "We look forward to providing a quality, family friendly product on the ice and becoming a fabric of this great community."
"The Family Arena is very excited to see hockey returning to our market in addition to bringing back the ice to our venue," said Mark Reifsteck, Family Arena General Manager. "We have plans to utilize the ice in other revenue producing capacities such as league play, public skates, and special events. We are especially pleased to welcome the reputable Central Hockey League into our building. Old rivalries will return, such as the Quad City Mallards in Moline, Illinois, and new ones will be formed with the Bloomington Blaze in Bloomington, Illinois and the Missouri Mavericks in Independence, Missouri. During these economic times, we are excited to be able to offer the community a high quality sporting event at such a reasonable price for families who like hockey. We have inherited one of the top teams that played in the CHL with an ownership group that is strong and committed to their team. Our staff looks forward to that same commitment in bringing future championships to our venue. We would also like to thank the CHL League Office for their continued support during this process, especially Duane Lewis, Commissioner of the CHL. We look forward to working with him and the team over the next five years and beyond."
"The Family Arena was built to host sporting events, and we're very pleased to see hockey returning," said County Executive Steve Ehlmann. "Our goal has been to offer a wide variety of events, and the St. Charles Chill certainly will add to that. We're pleased to welcome the team and the league to St. Charles County."
The Chill fits neatly into the CHL's footprint as three clubs sit within 275 miles (Bloomington Blaze, Missouri Mavericks and Quad City Mallards) and the Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder are roughly 400 miles from the new team.
More information about season ticket deposits, the team logo and colors and the announcement of a head coach will be made in the near future.
For more information, visit the team's website at www.stcharleschill.com, Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StCharlesChill) and Twitter feed (@StCharlesChill).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)