Eagles Named CHL's Franchise of the Year for Second Time

June 16, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release

WINDSOR, Colo. - For the second time in four years - the previous time coming after the 2004-05 season - the Colorado Eagles have been named the Central Hockey League's Franchise of the Year. The honor was bestowed upon the franchise over the weekend at the league's annual conference, along with four other individual awards. Of the 16 awards handed out by the league, the Eagles won five and were nominated for 11 - both more than any other team.

In addition to the Franchise of the Year Award, the Eagles took home the awards for Ticket Sales Executive of the Year (Chris Augusto), Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year, Corporate Sales Executive of the Year (Gavin Riches) and the formal awarding of the Rick Kozuback Award to President, General Manager and Head Coach Chris Stewart. The Eagles have been named the Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year in all five years of their existence.

Also of note, the Soul of Service Award was re-named the Ralph Backstrom Soul of Service Award, and given to Kevin McClelland, the recently-resigned Director of Player Operations and Head Coach of the Mississippi RiverKings.

The full list of categories the team was nominated for, but did not win includes: Ralph Backstrom Soul of Service Award (Chris Augusto), Community Relations Franchise of the Year, Communications Executive of the Year (J.P. Puma), Game Operations Franchise of the Year, Merchandising Franchise of the Year and Corporate Sales Franchise of the Year.

Other League Issues Relating to the Eagles Determined Over the Weekend

Realignment: The Eagles will remain in the Northwest Division, joined by the Rocky Mountain Rage, the expansion Rapid City Rush and the Wichita Thunder

Playoffs: The playoff format will remain the same as last season, with 10 teams making the playoffs and a 3-game first round between the fourth and fifth seeds.

Central Hockey League Stories from June 16, 2008

• 'Bees take home four CHL awards - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
• Veteran Broadcaster joins RiverKings - Mississippi RiverKings
• Eagles named franchise of year - Colorado Eagles
• Notes from the 2008 CHL Summer Conference - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
• Gorillas announce season ending roster - Amarillo Gorillas
• Sundogs Receive Eight Nominations and Take Home Two Awards at CHL SUmmer Conference - Arizona Sundogs
• Eagles Named CHL's Franchise of the Year for Second Time - Colorado Eagles
• Bucks Win CHL Award, Have New Division Rival - Laredo Bucks
• Colorado Eagles Named CHL Franchise of the Year - CHL
• Jackalopes add a pair of Broncos for 08-09 - Odessa Jackalopes
• Scorpions Division Remains The Same - New Mexico Scorpions
• Brahmas Move To Southeast Division In 2008-09 - Fort Worth Brahmas
• Bucks Community Update and Weekly Schedule - Laredo Bucks
• 2008-09 CHL Operational Issues Determined - CHL
• Suderman to Appear at Sundogs Team Store Tonight with Ray Miron President's Cup - Arizona Sundogs
• RiverKings & Gibson Guitars rock a local fan with special gift - Mississippi RiverKings

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