Bees GM Buckborough to Join NHL's Phoenix Coyotes

Published on August 11, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


HIDALGO, TEXAS --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that Grant W. "Bucky" Buckborough, who has served as the team's General Manager since 2005, has accepted a position with the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL).

The 39-year-old Buckborough will join the Coyotes as the Senior Director of Ticket Operations. He is the first Killer Bee (player, hockey staff, front office) to make the jump from the team to the NHL level.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Bucky and we wish him great success with the Coyotes," Killer Bees Owner/President Troy Nelson said. "The Killer Bees would not be as successful without his creativity and passion. He has assembled a top-notch staff that will make the transition for our new general manager role seamless."

Buckborough, an original member of the Killer Bees front office staff, helped launch the franchise in 2002 before State Farm Arena was even built. He started out as the team's Director of Ticket Operations/Assistant General Manager and served in that capacity until 2004. Buckborough accepted a brief appointment as General Manager of the Youngstown Steelhounds (CHL) before returning to the Valley in 2005 to assume General Manager duties.

Twice named the CHL Executive of the Year (2007 and 2010), Buckborough's leadership helped the Killer Bees earn a CHL Franchise of the Year Award (2009), two Game Operations Franchise of the Year Awards (2006, 08) and two Community Relations Franchise of the Year Awards (2006, 08).

"We're thrilled to bring in someone with Grant's credentials to lead our ticket department," Phoenix Coyotes Chief Operating Officer Mike Nealy said. "His expertise in creating excitement for the game of hockey in non-traditional markets is a valuable asset for us as we look to expand our fan base in the Greater Phoenix area."

Buckborough was also honored with the 2008 CHL Commitment Cup, which is presented annually for outstanding service and dedication to the CHL. He was also named the 2008 Arenafootball2 Executive of the Year for his work as General Manager of the Rio Grande Valley Dorados.

"Bucky has been the recipient of many individual and team awards and has been recognized as one of the trendsetters in our business," CHL Commissioner Duane Lewis said. "We are excited about the opportunity in front of him but saddened that such a professional and respected person is moving on from the CHL. We know the Killer Bees organization is left with the strong framework Bucky has established which will keep them thriving for many years to come."

Prior to joining RGV, Buckborough served as Director of Ticket Operations/Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Amarillo Rattlers (CHL).

"My time in the CHL, and the Rio Grande Valley in particular, has been second-to-none", Buckborough said. "This was not an easy decision to make, leaving something I've helped build from the ground up. But, I'm confident the team is in good hands and will continue to be successful."

The Killer Bees begin their eighth season of play at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo on October 15, 2010. Season tickets and corporate partnership opportunities are available now; call 956-843-7825 to find out more.

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Central Hockey League Stories from August 11, 2010


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