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AHL Norfolk Admirals

Admirals Welcome Back Mark Bernard as Assistant General Manager

June 14, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


NORFOLK, VA - The Norfolk Admirals announced today that former Hampton Roads Admirals netminder Mark Bernard has joined the organization as Assistant General Manager. Bernard will be involved in many aspects of the front office, including corporate sales, community relations and assisting the hockey operations staff.

"I'm thrilled to be back in Hampton Roads," Bernard said. "This is like home to me. The whole area has been great to me, and I'm excited to contribute to bringing this organization back to its glory days."

Bernard had been in the United Kingdom for the past two seasons as head coach and general manager of the Basingstoke Bison of the Elite Ice Hockey League. Last season, he also played 32 games for the Bison as a goaltender. In addition to his coaching and playing duties, Bernard ran Basingstoke's front office and was interim general manager of the Bison's arena. During his tenure with the team, Basingstoke doubled their season ticket base and saw a 60% increase in sponsorships.

The Hamilton, Ontario native began his coaching career with two seasons as an ECHL Assistant Coach, first with the Roanoke Express in 2001-2002 and then with Toledo Storm in 2002-2003. His first head coaching position was with the UHL Rockford IceHogs in 2003-2004.

Prior to starting his coaching career, Bernard played parts of 13 professional seasons as a netminder. He compiled a 214-189-38 record in 453 games with a .882 save percentage and 4.17 goals against average. He was his team's MVP five times, including honors for Hampton Roads in 1991-1992. Bernard also appeared in three AHL contests, one with the Rochester Americans in 1992-1993 and two with the Baltimore Skipjacks in 1993-1994.

Bernard called Norfolk home for four seasons with the ECHL Admirals, accumulating a 62-38-12 record with a 3.69 goals against average and a .882 save percentage in the early to mid 1990s. He was a member of the back-to-back Riley Cup-winning teams of

1991 and 1992. In 1992, Bernard appeared in all 14 post-season games, winning all but two games en route to the ECHL Playoffs MVP Award.

"We are delighted to have someone of Mark's caliber and background joining the Admirals," said Admirals President Ken Young. "He has an enthusiasm for the community that will be a positive for the team, the city and all of Hampton Roads."

Admirals General Manager Al MacIsaac has been a teammate and coach of Bernard. "The Admirals made a great hire when they brought on Mark Bernard," MacIsaac said. "He believes in the organization, he's well-liked in the community and, first and foremost, he's an extremely hard worker."

"I can't express how happy my family and I are to be back in this area," Bernard said. "I know the potential of this area and the potential of this team. If I can, in some small way, contribute to realizing that potential, I 'll be very pleased."

2006-07 season tickets are on sale now through the Admirals' office and through the Admirals' website. For more information, contact the Admirals at (757) 640-1212 or visit them online at www.norfolkadmirals.com.

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