USHL Approves Sale of Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
May 28, 2009 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders News Release
Cedar Rapids, Iowa- The United States Hockey League announced today it has approved the sale of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders from Mercantile Capital Partners I.L.P. to Newco Riders, LLC. "The new RoughRiders ownership group has made a long-term commitment to the City of Cedar Rapids - and the City in turn has made a long-term commitment to the team," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "Together, they insure not only investment and stability, but the exciting growth of hockey at all levels in a market that has supported the USHL from the beginning. It's great news for all of us."
"This is a great day for RoughRiders fans and all of Cedar Rapids. While the team ownership transition was an uphill climb, we are now at the top of the hill and confident that we have the best possible partners standing besides us. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead," said Patrick DePalma, Chair of the Five Seasons Facilities Commission.
Jeff Jauch, President and CEO of Newco Riders, LLC wasted no time in completing his first official task as executive of the RoughRiders by announcing the signing of Mark Carlson, RoughRider Coach and General Manager, to a new 10-year contract which also includes ownership in the team. Jauch and Carlson have been appointed as the managing partners of Newco Riders, LLC.
"Mark has been the only coach the RoughRiders have had since their arrival in Cedar Rapids in 1999. He has led the team to nine straight post-season appearances, has over 300 wins, won an Anderson Cup, a Clark Cup, won a Gold Medal as coach of Team USA in the 2008 World Junior "A" Challenge, and most recently was named United States Olympic Committee Development Coach of the Year in hockey. It is a privilege to have Mark coach the Roughriders for the next ten years," said Jauch.
Secondly, Jauch announced the signing of a letter of intent to extend the current lease for the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena, which was due to expire at the end of next season, between the RoughRiders and the City of Cedar Rapids for an additional ten years.
"Cedar Rapids is a great community with an incredibly loyal RoughRider fan base. The Cedar Rapids Ice Arena complex including the NHL Rink with a capacity of 4,300 fans and the adjacent Olympic ice sheet make it the perfect home for the RoughRiders. This team and organization has a strong foundation to build upon. We look forward to connecting with our fans and the business community and being recognized as good citizens in Cedar Rapids," said Jauch. Jauch has spent more than 20 years developing businesses throughout the United States, Europe, and China. Jauch has also directed multiple community organizations in efforts to create strong athletic programs for the betterment of youth.
The Jauch Family has strong roots in Iowa. Jeff spent some of his youth as a resident of Iowa City while his father, Ray Jauch, was an assistant football coach at the University of Iowa under head coach Forest Evashevski. Ray Jauch was also an Iowa Hawkeye co-captain running back from 1957 through 1959. He later went on to win three Grey Cups in the Canadian Football League. Jeff's brother, Jim, is currently the Associate Director of Pro Player Personnel for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. Jeff was a student-athlete at the University of North Dakota and in 2007 was inducted into the UND Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 1979 Fighting Sioux Football team. The Jauch family looks forward to relocating to Cedar Rapids and being part of the community. About Newco Riders, LLC
Jeff Jauch, President and CEO, and Mark Carlson RoughRider General Manager and Coach are the managing members of Newco Riders, LLC. Newco Riders, LLC was formed for the purpose of acquiring the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL and to promote youth hockey, related ice sports, and youth activities in partnership with the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and surrounding communities. The company has established an advisory board which includes Tony Sdao, founding partner of Newco Riders, LLC, Financial Transaction Services, LLC and Marketstreet Logix; Mark Chipman, Chairman and Governor of the Manitoba Moose (AHL); Rory Cava, President of the Lakehead University Thunderwolves of the Canadian Intercollegiate Sports Association, LLC; Doug Smail, former NHL All-Star and veteran of 13 NHL seasons; and Doug Ploen, President of D/P Film and Video.
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