Calgary Hitmen Collect WHL Awards
April 28, 2004 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release
The Western Hockey League today announced the 2003-04 Winners of the Annual Year End Awards for the WHL at a luncheon held in Calgary.
Calgary Hitmen GM Kelly Kisio was awarded the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy given to the top Executive in the WHL. Kisio, a former Calgary Flame, is in his 6th season as Hitmen GM. This is Kelly's 2nd WHL honour as he was named the WHL Rookie of the Year in 1978-79 as a member of the Calgary Wranglers. This season, Kelly assembled a team that extended the Hitmen playoff streak to 8 consecutive years, had 4 players named to the CHL Top Prospects as well as a Rookie of the Year nominee in Andrew Ladd.
Kisio has previously led the team to a League Championship and Memorial Cup appearance in 1999, 2 Central Division Titles, and numerous franchise attendance records. "We were able to do some great things this year. I am very proud of the entire organization who were instrumental in making these awards possible." Noted Kisio.
Hitmen Director of Marketing, Mark Stiles, was also awarded the WHL Marketing and Communications Award. Stiles, also the voice of the Calgary Hitmen, was instrumental creating promotions and corporate partnerships that led to a Hitmen attendance record this year. "This award speaks volumes about our fans, to have set a Hitmen attendance record in a year where the Flames have had so much success." said Stiles
Hitmen Rookie Andrew Ladd was the Runner-Up in Rookie of the Year voting.
Hitmen Govenor, and Flames President & CEO Ken King added "The Calgary Flames organization and ownership group applaud Kelly, Mark, Andrew, and the entire Hitmen team. They consistently turn out a great product on and off the ice, and the city of Calgary should be very proud of them. They truly deserve these accolades."
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