Dan Lehv Named USHL Executive of the Year
Published on June 13, 2013 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Dubuque Fighting Saints have earned gained another honor, and this time the hardware comes for work done off the ice. The United States Hockey League announced today that Dubuque Fighting Saints President Dan Lehv has been named the 2012-2013 Dave Tyler USHL Executive of the Year.
"This is an award that is voted on by all the Presidents and Senior Business Managers in the USHL, so to be recognized by one's peers, who all understand the complexities of the job, should be very rewarding for Dan," said Brad Kwong, Managing Partner of Northern Lights Hockey, LLC. "We're very proud of Dan's achievement, through his leadership, the Dubuque Fighting Saints are not just a hockey team but a successful small business that is making an impact in the City of Dubuque and the broader Tri-State area."
Lehv joined the Fighting Saints prior to the 2011-2012 season and under his leadership, the organization has experienced growth in nearly every facet of the business operation. While 2012-2013 was a record season for the Fighting Saints on the ice, records were set off the ice under Lehv's watch. Lehv helped the Fighting Saints draw over 100,000 total fans to the Mystique Community Ice Center during the team's 41 openings in the preseason, regular season, and post-season. Dubuque posted a team best ten sellouts during the 2012-2013 campaign, and drew 11 crowds over 3,000 to help the club compile an impressive 25-3-4 record on home ice. Dubuque's average attendance increased for the third straight season, raising to 2,562 this past year.
Under Lehv's direction, the Fighting Saints donated over $100,000 in cash and goods to Dubuque area charities and non-profit organizations. The club's annual "Pink the Rink" game and player jersey auction in October earned over $35,000 for the Wendt Regional Cancer Center and Mammography Program at the Visiting Nurses Association. Military Appreciation Night in November helped the Fighting Saints raise over $15,000 for the Veterans Freedom Center.
This past year, the Fighting Saints also partnered with Dubuque Youth Hockey Association. Lehv spearheaded this initiative which renamed local youth teams the Junior Saints. Through the program, youth players receive instruction from Fighting Saints players and coaches with the hope of continuing to grow hockey in the Tri-State area.
Lehv, along with the promotions team for the Fighting Saints, gained Dubuque national attention through unique marketing initiatives and promotions. The "Backwards Game," in September was played completely in reverse as it started with a shootout and ended with the pregame lightshow and player introductions. This first of a kind event gained national attention from Yahoo and was featured in the Sports Business Journal. Other theme nights, such as "Kids Run the Rink," where youngsters took over the arena for a game, selling tickets and running promotions, helped the Fighting Saints earn mentions in national publications.
"This award is a result of the efforts of our entire staff," Lehv said. "You don't receive an honor like this without great collaboration, and I'm fortunate to work with, and for, a group of colleagues that share a passion for the Fighting Saints and the product we deliver both on and off the ice."
The Executive of the Year award is named in honor of Dave Tyler who served as President of the USHL from 1982-94 and his tenure with USA Hockey in leadership roles ran from 1975 to 2007.
United States Hockey League Stories from June 13, 2013
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- Dan Lehv Named USHL Executive of the Year - Dubuque Fighting Saints
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