'Bees take home four CHL awards

Published on June 16, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


(June 16, 2008) Hidalgo, Texas --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees took home four awards and were nominated for eight at the Central Hockey League's Summer Conference, held last Saturday at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.

Rio Grande Valley earned three team honors, while team president/owner Troy Nelson was presented with the CHL Leadership Award. The Killer Bees took home awards for Game Operations Franchise of the Year, Community Relations Franchise of the Year and Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year.

Nelson earned the CHL Leadership Award for his dedication to the success of not only the Killer Bees, but also the entire Central Hockey League. "It was very unexpected," said Nelson. "I think it's a reflection of our staff and the organization as a whole."

The Community Relations Franchise of the Year award is the second for the Bees in the last three years. Rio earned the honor at the 2006 Summer Conference. Led by Director of Community Relations Jacquie Kurth, Killer Bees players and staff spent an average of 15 hours per week attending and supporting community events.

The highlights for the team's community efforts this past season included giving away 1500 car seats to needy families, raising close to $10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Habitat for Humanity through a pair of Tip-A-Bee Nights at Outback Steakhouse in McAllen and supporting the American Cancer Society by helping raise over $48,000 with the annual Cookin' for the Cure event.

The award for Game Operations Franchise of the Year is a first for the Bees and Game Operations Director Phil Gladden. The honor is presented to the team that provides fans with the best overall game presentation experience, including everything from music and video to in-game promotions.

The Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year award is RGV's fourth in five years of existence. The team finished as the runner-up at the 2007 Summer Conference.

The team was also nominated for Marketing Franchise of the Year and Overall Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year. The Killer Bees have placed among the top-4 franchises for overall Ticket Sales since beginning play in 2003.

Killer Bees General Manager Grant Buckborough was nominated for Executive of the Year while radio and TV play-by-play man Rich Bocchini was nominated for Broadcaster of the Year honors. Buckborough took home the Executive award from the 2007 Summer Conference, while Bocchini's nomination for Broadcaster of the Year was his second in a row.

"Our front office works extremely hard all year to provide our fans with the best sports entertainment experience in the Rio Grande Valley," said Buckborough. "With a relatively small staff, everyone pitches in and contributes to every facet of the operation, from ticket sales and customer service to community events and the type of presentation we put on during the games. I'm proud of what we've accomplished and know we'll continue to do our best to exceed expectations."

Season tickets for the 2008-09 hockey season are on sale now by calling 956-843-7825. Ticket packages start as low as $432 for the entire season and include parties with the players, the same seat for every game and are 100% satisfaction guaranteed. The full schedule is slated for release in July.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from June 16, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central