Big Changes for the 'Gators in 2010-11
Published on August 17, 2010 under SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, LA - For the 2010 season the Louisiana IceGators are returning to their original home, the Cajundome. The Cajundome is a 12,068 seat multi-purpose arena, which seats 11,433 for hockey. The arena was completed in 1985 and currently hosts the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns basketball teams, the Lafayette Wildcatters, and the Louisiana High School Basketball State Championship.
"We are excited about the opportunity to have the IceGators return to the Cajundome," stated Greg Davis, Director of the Cajundome.
When the 'Gators were in the Cajundome the first time they shattered all of the minor league hockey attendance records at 11,433 people during the 1996-97 season. A record that still stands today. The team was also featured in a Sports Illustrated cover story "Spice on Ice", CBS This Morning, Hockey Night in Canada, and Hockey Inks Team of the Year. The team also had a 56-page book, The Louisiana IceGators Phenomenon, written about the successful introduction of professional hockey to Louisiana.
In addition to the team moving to the Cajundome, the IceGators have new members of the ownership group. Chuck Anselmo Jr. and his son Chuck Anselmo III bought out Danny Smith, who brought the IceGators back and played in Blackham Coliseum in 2009-10.
"We want to make this version of the IceGators like it use to be," stated Chuck Anselmo Jr. when asked about his vision for the IceGators. "We will bring a product to the Lafayette area the will make the area whole again. The IceGators will be affordable and exciting again. This is for the community and our focus is going to be the community."
Anselmo Jr. owned a moving and storage advisor for 38 years with Mayflower and United. He is also dedicated to Acadiana. He helped found the Acadiana In-Line Hockey in 1996.
Anselmo III currently owns Allstate Building Systems, which was started by his father in '67. Anselmo III was born and raised in the Lafayette Area. "The Southern Professional Hockey League is excited to see the IceGators return to their original home in the Cajundome," stated Jim Combs, Commissioner of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) when asked about all of the changes for the IceGators. "We are also excited to have both Anselmo Jr. and Anselmo III apart of our league."
In addition to the new ownership group, Dave Berryman has returned to the franchise he helped found as the President/General Manager. Berryman founded the franchise in 1995.
"I am glad to be apart of this wonderful franchise and being back in Lafayette," replied Berryman when asked about returning to the franchise.
Don't miss a moment of the action. Get your season tickets now by calling the IceGators office at (337) 704-4423.
SPHL Stories from August 17, 2010
- Big Changes for the 'Gators in 2010-11 - Louisiana IceGators
- Veteran Detulleo Joins Havoc - Huntsville Havoc
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