2012-2013 Exhibition Games Announced
August 2, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Texas Tornado News Release
The Texas Tornado have announced that the team will be playing two exhibition games this season, both against the University of Oklahoma. The games are scheduled for Friday, September 7th and Saturday, September 8th at Dr Pepper Arena. However, the games will be played on the ice at the Stars practice facility, rather than the Arena ice where the Tornado typically play their home games.
"We're excited to have The University of Oklahoma back here," Tornado head coach and general manager Tony Curtale said. "There are a lot of ties between the Tornado and OU Hockey, and I think it'll be great for our fans to see some of our former players."
Former Tornado players on the Oklahoma squad include defensemen Troy Puente (2006-2008), Augie Hoffmann (2007-2008), Joe Adams (2009-2011), and Alex Jacobs (2009-2010). Former Tornado forward Stephen Behm (2009-2010) is also on the roster. Those five are holdovers from last year's Sooners team, and they'll be joined by two more Tornado alumni: Jordan Greenberg and Mico Solorzano. In between stints with the Tornado, assistant coach Tom Murphy also served as the head coach at OU for two seasons (2008-2010).
"We're fortunate that we've been able to develop such a strong relationship between the two programs," University of Oklahoma Assistant General Manager Chris Perry said. "Both Coach Curtale and Coach Murphy have a history of developing quality young men that also happen to be excellent young hockey players. We're close by, so it's great that so many players have chosen to stay in the Southwest and attend the University of Oklahoma."
The two teams last met in 2010, when the Tornado kicked off that season with a pair of games against OU. The Sooners won the first game 5-3, but the Tornado responded with a 10-2 victory the following night. In 2011, the Tornado played their exhibition games against other NAHL teams, picking up wins against both Wichita Falls and Corpus Christi.
Tickets for both games will be $5 for all adults, while children will be admitted free of charge. In addition, all adults in attendance at either exhibition game will receive a voucher to the Tornado home opener, scheduled for Saturday, September 29th against Wichita Falls.
North American Hockey League Stories from August 2, 2012
- Tornado Announce Full 2012-2013 Schedule - Texas Tornado
- 2012-2013 Exhibition Games Announced - Texas Tornado
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