Cyclones Ropp Named ECHL Executive of the Year
Published on June 22, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL) News Release
PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL announced that Cincinnati Cyclones Vice President and General Manager Kristin Ropp was selected by the ECHL Board of Governors as the 2009-10 recipient of the ECHL Executive of the Year award.
Cincinnati set an ECHL playoff record for single-game attendance at 13,438 for the title-clinching game at U.S. Bank Arena against Idaho on May 21, 2010. The Cyclones captured their second Kelly Cup in the last three years and have advanced to the Conference Finals each of the past three seasons. Cincinnati has increased attendance by double digits each of the past four seasons.
Cincinnati is the only team in minor pro hockey to have an increase in playoff attendance versus the regular season in each of the previous three campaigns. Twice during the 2009-10 regular season and once in the playoffs, the Cyclones surpassed 10,000 fans for a single game. Four of the team's 10 largest regular-season crowds in history came during the 2009-10 season, including the biggest weekday regular-season draw in team history with 8,944 in attendance on Nov. 17, 2009.
"I am flattered to be named the ECHL's Executive of the Year," said Ropp. "There are so many passionate people working in this league and to be singled out by the Board of Governors is an honor. I truly believe this award represents the hard work from the entire front office in Cincinnati, and for this I am grateful."
"Kristin is very deserving of this award," said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. "She is an extremely competent manager. Her positive attitude and ability to get things done serve as a positive influence to all."
Ropp, who also serves as vice president and general manager of U.S. Bank Arena, is a native of Pittsburgh and a 1996 graduate of Ohio University. She has been with U.S. Bank Arena since 2002.
ECHL Executive Of The Year Winners
2010 Kristin Ropp, Cincinnati Cyclones
2009 Gordon Kaye, Reading Royals
2008 Darren Abbott, South Carolina Stingrays
2007 Matt Riley, Bakersfield Condors
2006 Steve Chapman, Gwinnett Gladiators
2005 Steve Chapman, Gwinnett Gladiators
2004 Terry Parks, Alaska Aces
2003 John Butler, Peoria Rivermen
2002 Matt Loughran, Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
2001 Craig Brush, Florida Everblades
2000 Brian McKenna, Trenton Titans
1999 Carl Scheer, Greenville Grrrowl
1998 Charles Felix, Pensacola Ice Pilots
1997 David Paitson Columbus Chill
1996 Dave Berryman Louisiana IceGators
1995 Harvey Feuerstein and Craig Laughlin Richmond Renegades
1994 Jean Gagnon and Pierre Paiement Roanoke Express
1993 Larry Kish Wheeling Thunderbirds
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