2007 NBC Champions Moving to Kansas
Published on January 26, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Havasu Heat, 2007 NBC World Series champions, have announced that they are moving to Haysville, Kansas for the 2010 season.
The announcement was made by Heat General Manager Dick "Chief" Twyman. The Heat has played in Lake Havasu County, Arizona for the past 13 seasons, hosting their games at John M. Wade Memorial Field at Lake Havasu High School.
"We are very excited to be moving the team to Haysville, and to become a part of the city of Haysville and their Park and Recreation Department", Twyman said. "We will be working hand-in-hand with Bryan Clasen, baseball coach at Campus High School, and look forward to playing at Carpenter-Plagen Field."
The sports complex in Haysville is currently undergoing expansion from four fields to six. It also includes parking, a 1,000 square-foot concession facility, and seating capacity is being expanded from 1,000 to 2,500.
The Havasu Heat competed in the Pacific Southwest League, which is affiliated with the National Baseball Congress, and has been a perennial favorite at the NBC World Series. In 2007, the Heat captured the NBC World Series championship, going a perfect 7-0 in the double-elimination tournament. The Heat became the first team from Arizona to win the championship.
The Heat will play in Lake Havasu for the 2009 season, but will not compete in the Pacific Southwest League.
"We will compete as an independent team, but still affiliate with the National Baseball Congress", Twyman said. "We will not begin playing in Haysville until the 2010 season and are not sure if we will remain an independent team. We would certainly like the to keep the doors of communication open with the leagues in that area." Twyman said his coaching staff will remain intact and they are looking forward to the move. "It's strictly a business decision. This is what's best for the Heat, the coaches, and the players. Back there (Havasu), there are 13 major league clubs cross-checking the teams. The midwest is a haven for baseball."
"We are very excited to have the Heat moving to Kansas", said Jerry Taylor, Director of Operations for the NBC World Series. "They will bring a quality team to our area and strengthen the already tough competition that already exists here. I am certain the team will do well in Haysville, and I am sure that the community is excited about 'Chief' bringing such a quality team to their city."
The 75th annual NBC World Series begins August 1st and runs through August 15th. Tournament passes are on sale now. Meanwhile, the Wichita Thunder continue their current homestand on Wednesday when they host the Rapid City Rush at the Kansas Coliseum at 7:05 p.m. For more information, call the Thunder office at (316) 264-4625.
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