Presson Named New Sundogs General Manager
July 7, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs announced today that Chris Presson has been named as the team's new General Manager of Business Operations. Presson has already begun his work with the club.
Presson comes to Arizona with nearly 20 years experience in the CHL. Last year he served as the President of the Quad City Mallards. Prior to that, he spent five years in Wichita, Kansas, serving as the President of the Wichita Thunder from 2005-2008, then as the General Manager of both the Kansas Coliseum and Intrust Bank Arena.
Intrust Bank Arena newly opened in January 2010, replacing Kansas Coliseum as the primary home for the Thunder hockey team.
"Chris comes to us highly recommended and with an incredible amount of experience in all facets of not just the CHL, but minor-league hockey in general," said team investor Ed Lepordo. "It's important for us to get the right people in place, and it starts at the top with Chris. We're happy to have him here in Arizona."
Along with Quad City and Wichita, Presson was also involved with the CHL's Oklahoma City Blazers and both Topeka franchises (Tarantulas and Scarecrows) earlier in his career.
"I'm excited to be coming out to the Prescott Valley area," said Presson. "This opportunity is going to bring me new challenges, new people to meet, and a chance to return this franchise to where it was just a few years ago when it won the CHL's President's Cup. My family and I are glad to be here."
Presson brings with him the league's 2001 and 2002 "Franchise of the Year" awards from his time with Oklahoma City. He also ran the 2003 CHL All-Star Game with the Blazers. While working in Wichita, he served as a consultant for the CHL's Mississippi RiverKings from 2006-2008 - Mississippi was named the league's "Most Improved Franchise" in 2007.
He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1992 with a degree in Journalism and Broadcasting.
"There's been a lot of changes over the last few years with this organization, but now we're at a point to start moving forward," added Presson. "Our entire staff is thrilled to be working here. We're all excited to get involved with the fan base, and we're also proud of the team we'll be putting on the ice this season."
"Chris is a terrific addition to our staff," said investor Brad Fain on behalf of the Fain Group. "He has the knowledge and experience to return our front office to a championship caliber organization and reconnect the Sundogs with our corporate sponsors and fans. He's started franchises from the ground up, and helped other franchises improve their organization and reach their full potential. He is the right man for this job."
The sixth season of Arizona Sundogs hockey is brought to you by Cliff Castle Casino-Hotel. The puck will drop on the new season in October 2011. The Sundogs will also host the 2012 CHL All-Star Game in January. Season tickets, mini-plan, and single-game ticket information is now available by calling (928) 759-6600 or visiting arizonasundogs.com.
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Central Hockey League Stories from July 7, 2011
- Bloomington to Host Annual Central Hockey League Booster Event - Bloomington Blaze
- Presson Named New Sundogs General Manager - Arizona Sundogs
- Gasper Returns for Third Season with Mallards - Quad City Mallards
- Mavericks Add to Roster with Coccimiglio and Cooper - Kansas City Mavericks
- Komets Add Three to Preseason Roster; Schrock, Cescon Returning - Fort Wayne Komets
- Former NHL Player Returning to Gems - Dayton Gems
- Press Conference Today at Noon - Arizona Sundogs
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