Frsno Falcons Repeat as WCHL's Organization of the Year
Published on April 12, 2002 under West Coast Hockey League (WCHL) News Release
BOISE, Idaho - The West Coast Hockey League today named the Fresno Falcons as Organization of the Year for the second consecutive season. The Falcons become the first two-time recipient of the award.
For the second consecutive season, the Falcons experienced tremendous growth in corporate sales, ticket sales and community development. Fresno ranked in the Top-20 among minor professional hockey teams in average attendance this season and experienced a 13% growth in average attendance over last year. The Falcons also nearly doubled their season-ticket base and have become the hottest ticket in Fresno.
"To earn recognition as WCHL Organization of the Year in consecutive seasons is quite an accomplishment," said WCHL Acting Commissioner Adam Keller. "This recognition reflects the hard work and effort Chandar Sports and the Falcons organization has put into revitalizing the Fresno hockey market."
Fresno set a number of team attendance marks this season. Over the past two seasons the Falcons per game attendance has risen from 3,249 fans per game in 1999-2000 to 5,957 fans per game this year, an 83% increase. More than 200,000 fans attended Falcons this year as the team hosted a record 214,459 fans at games in Selland Arena.
The organization also made their mark in the community in a variety of ways. The team raised funds for the Leukemia and Lymphona Society with their 2001 Light the Night Walk event. Falcons staff and players also worked with the Cloves and Fresno School districts to promote Attendance Programs and Reading Rampage programs, they spent time benefiting the Fresno Blood Bank and Fresno Food Bank, as well as a countless list of other area causes.
Previous Winners
2000-2001 Fresno Falcons
1999-2000 San Diego Gulls
1998-1999 Bakersfield Condors
West Coast Hockey League Stories from April 12, 2002
- Gold Kings Win 3-1 - Colorado Gold Kings
- Frsno Falcons Repeat as WCHL's Organization of the Year - WCHL
- Idaho's Cunningham Named WCHL Executive of the Year - WCHL
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