Central Hockey League Selects Denver for Franchise

Published on April 10, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Denver Cutthroats News Release


DENVER, CO - April 10, 2012, - Arts & Venues Denver (AVD) today announced that a new Central Hockey League team, name to be announced, will be an anchor tenant at the City-owned Denver Coliseum.

"Hockey has been a part of the Coliseum's history almost since the beginning and we're excited to see it return," said Kent Rice, AVD executive director. "The CHL is putting its trust and assets into this community and we're extremely proud."

The Coliseum, currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, will host at least 33 games during the CHL season (October-May). The Denver Coliseum is largely known as the home of the National Western Stock Show, but hockey teams have been major tenants since 1959 when the International Hockey League's Denver Mavericks played there. The venue also hosts "Disney on Ice," circuses, CHSAA events, and a number of concerts and shows annually.

"My family, my business and my roots are in Colorado and it was personally important for me to locate this franchise in my hometown," said team owner and CEO of Colorado-based Ball Corporation, John Hayes. "These teams provide significant help to local economies and this is a unique way to be involved in my community."

Rice confirmed the team's presence at the Coliseum represents an opportunity for economic growth in the area. "The team will hire and locate staff in Denver and on any given game night, more than 100 staff will be on duty from parking lot attendants to concession workers," Rice said. "Those paychecks are in addition to seat tax, additional sales of food, beverage and retail product, construction activity and enhanced sponsorship opportunities associated with the team."

"It's a great day in the City of Denver," said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner. "We are very excited to partner with John Hayes and his staff, as well as the City of Denver, and welcome them into the Central Hockey League. We are very confident that the Denver CHL franchise will reflect John's (Hayes) dedication, work ethic and success, and will be one of the elite franchises in the league. Denver has such a rich hockey past and present and we are very pleased to have the CHL a part of Denver's hockey future."

The Coliseum's rink is already equipped to handle "Disney on Ice" and other on-ice events, but AVD plans improvements to accommodate the new hockey team. The Coliseum will receive upgraded dressing rooms, scoreboard and video boards, dasher walls, an ice floor, and a new VIP lounge.

Team president Brad Lund expects the team to do well in its new location. "The CHL provides a different brand of hockey than what is available in Denver," Lund said. "This is an exciting game, at prices that will be affordable for those in the area. This team represents a great choice for Denver's sports fans and we're glad to be partners in this community."

The team will announce its name and logo at a later date. Play will begin for the new CHL season in October. Please visit www.denverchl.com/ for more information.

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



Central Hockey League Stories from April 10, 2012


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