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Blaze Strengthen Ownership and Front Office

January 31, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, continue to strengthen operations by consolidating its ownership and adding experience to the front office.

Sandra Hunnewell has recently acquired 100 percent of the team's financial stake to become the sole owner of the Blaze. Hunnewell said she plans to build hockey in the Bloomington area for years to come. "We're planning on staying here. Every game just gets better and better," Hunnewell said. "We have finalized a long-term business plan, including the front office, hockey operations and community service."

Part of Hunnewell's commitment includes hiring an executive to lead the team with a track record of success in minor league hockey, particularly in the Central Hockey League. David Holt has joined the Blaze as general manager after serving as a consultant to the team during the past two months. Holt has nearly a decade of experience in the CHL, including three and a half years as general manager of the Wichita Thunder and a five-year stint with the Oklahoma City Blazers, two franchises reknowned for their success. "David has helped turn things around here," Hunnewell said of Holt. "He's been a wonderful addition, and we welcome him to the family."

While the Blaze continue to solidify off-ice operations, work is underway to continue the progress seen on the ice. "We're currently in negotiations to extend the contract of our coach, Paul Gardner," Holt said. "We're committed to having a quality person in place behind the bench and in the locker room, as well as in the community, and Paul has certainly been that person in our inaugural season."

The new sole owner of the Blaze still resides in New Jersey, where she operates a long-term care pharmacy, but makes frequent trips to Central Illinois, the most recent of which was during the past weekend when she was part of the Blaze's largest crowd of the season on Saturday that saw the home team battle for a 4-2 victory over the Rapid City Rush. Hunnewell said she's become very fond of Bloomington because it's similar in several ways to her hometown. "I come from a very small town in South Jersey, and Bloomington is just a larger version," said Hunnewell. "I love the community, the atmosphere, and how everyone looks out for one another here. That's what attracted me to Bloomington."

Although Hunnewell has taken on sole ownership, she's happy to have anyone from the community join her. "We want the local community involved. This is your team. We'd love to sit down and talk to anyone who would be willing to invest in this community's team."

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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.

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