Louisiana IceGators' Owner Revamping Hockey Operation
Published on December 3, 2009 under SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, LA. December 3, 2009. In an effort to turn the IceGators record around, owner Danny Smith has begun the process of retooling the franchise. It started with the hiring of John Gibson as the new head coach and continued with relieving general manager and director of hockey operations Brent Sapergia of his duties.
Both Ron Handy and Brent Sapergia admitted to making a mistake in fielding a team that was better geared for "old time" hockey than for a scoring game. Handy resigned after three games behind the bench. Sapergia stayed and was the interim coach for a handful of games before Gibson was hired.
According to Smith, the IceGators' 3-9 record was a significant part of why Sapergia was let go. Smith was very pleased that the team was able to find a coach like Gibson, who already has knowledge of the SPHL, to come in and take over. He expects that Gibson will be able to add some stability to the team.
"Brent is a very passionate person. He felt like his team wasn't being protected by the referees and he expressed that in his own personal way - probably differently than most of us would have," Smith said.
Smith himself took some of the blame for Sapergia's firing. He said that putting the general manager behind the bench, even for a short time, was not a good idea because Sapergia was needed more in the office.
For the time being, Smith will handle all of Sapergia's business duties while Gibson is left to focus on the team. Smith said he is ready to handle things, focusing on office operations and the entertainment end of the game.
"Don't count us out. We're going to be there. We plan on making the playoffs. We plan on making a run," states Smith. "Just stick with us. We're going to do everything we can and we'll be there in the end. Remember, its not who wins the first game but who wins the last one." At this point, all Smith wants from the fans is that they don't give up on the team yet.
The IceGators return home to play at the swamp this weekend after a 4 - 3 win on the road over the Huntsville Havoc. On Friday, December 4th, the IceGators take on their rivalry, the Mississippi Surge. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. in Blackham Coliseum. Everyone is invited to stay for free ice skating after the game. Visit www.icegators.com for more information.
SPHL Stories from December 3, 2009
- Ice Bears Top Ice Flyers 3-2 In Overtime - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Ice Bears' Swider Scores Overtime Winner - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Ice Flyers Mourn Passing Of Vice President - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Havoc's Mark Sibbald Named Sher-Wood Player Of The Month - SPHL
- 5 For 5 - If There Are 5,000 People In The Stands, The IceGators Will Give Away $5,000 Cash - Louisiana IceGators
- Louisiana IceGators' Owner Revamping Hockey Operation - Louisiana IceGators
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