Rivalry Moves from the Ice Rink to the Football Field
September 14, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Fairbanks Grizzlies News Release
The Indoor Football League announced today the newest member of the IFL, the Wenatchee Valley Venom. Wenatchee will be playing in the IFL's Northwest Division, and is expected to play Fairbanks Grizzlies twice per season. The announcement came after league owners overwhelmingly approved the franchise which will begin play in the 2011 season.
General Manager and Co-Owner Ricky Bertz commented on the newest addition to the IFL family, "We were very pleased to have an organization of the caliber of Wenatchee join the IFL. In addition to them being divisional partners, I believe this will create an immediate rivalry with the Venom due to the fierce competition that currently exists between the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and the Wenatchee Wild of the NAHL. Each season, these two hockey teams are vying back and forth between 1st and 2nd place within the division. We have and expect that to be the same between the Grizzlies and the Venom for this coming season and beyond".
Wenatchee will be entering their 2nd season of professional football in 2011. Wenatchee played their inaugural season in 2010 in the Western Conference of the American Indoor Football Association. When the Grizzlies and Venom square off in 2011, it will not be Wenatchee's first professional trip to Alaska, as the Venom played against of the Wasilla Predators previously as a member of American Indoor Football Association.
Wenatchee just missed making the playoffs in their first season. After starting the year with a 2-6 record, the Venom made several personnel changes and went on to win 6 consecutive games and finished the year at 8-6. Looking to build on last year's success, the Venom have already resigned Head Coach Brian Smith in addition to several of their key players. Wenatchee Valley Venom President of Football Operations Kyle Skalisky on joining the IFl for the 2011 season -"We are opening a new chapter for the fans and sponsors of the Wenatchee Valley Venom. We have a committed ownership group and are ready to build on the success of last season"
The Fairbanks Grizzlies are about to begin their 4th season of play in the Indoor Football League. The 2011 Season schedule is expected to be released by Mid-October.
Season Tickets are still on sale at the Fairbanks Grizzlies office with packages starting as low as $125.00, call 907-452-5123 for any questions.
Indoor Football League Stories from September 14, 2010
- Rising Defensive Back Returns to Storm for 2011 - Sioux Falls Storm
- Trade Sends Massive Abbott to Spartans' O-Line - La Crosse Spartans
- Rivalry Moves from the Ice Rink to the Football Field - Fairbanks Grizzlies
- Dance Team Tryouts Saturday and Sunday - Amarillo Venom
- Wenatchee Valley Venom Joins the IFL - IFL
- Express Sign Trio of Receivers - Reading Express
- Colorado Ice 2011 Signings Bring in New Players - Colorado Crush
- Over a Cup of Coffee - OSC Original by Jerry Hewitt
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
