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Gardens Hockey unveils new name and logo

October 20, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Cincinnati RailRaiders News Release


CINCINNATI, Ohio - Gardens Hockey Inc. announced at a news conference today the new name of its American Hockey League franchise is the Cincinnati RailRaiders. The previous name of the franchise was the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. The team played eight seasons at Cincinnati Gardens from 1997-2005 as the top affiliate for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

The Hockey Company, a division of Reebok Inc., worked with the RailRaiders staff to design the new team logos. Team colors are blue, silver and black.

"We put a lot of time, thought and energy into our new identity and we are thrilled with the outcome," RailRaiders President and CEO Pete Robinson said. "We wanted a name that was indigenous to Cincinnati and symbolized the elements of speed, power and strength. The city's history with the train system, Union Terminal, the first U.S. train robbery, and the fact hockey had become derailed in the market and our desire to get it back on track made the train concept a natural in our search for a new name."

History lines credit the first train robbery in U.S. history taking place May 5, 1865 in North Bend, when about a dozen men tore up tracks to derail an Ohio & Mississippi train that had departed from Cincinnati. More than 100 passengers were robbed at gunpoint of cash and jewelry. The raiders also blew open safes of the Adams Express Co. that were said to contain thousands of dollars in U.S. bonds. The raiders fled across the Ohio River into Kentucky. They were chased by military troops through Verona, Kentucky, but were never captured. Although the identity of the raiders was never discovered, Frank and Jesse James were suspected.

The RailRaiders logos will be available on the club's official website at www.railraiders.com, which will be launched at 9 p.m. this evening. A line of RailRaiders merchandise is scheduled to be unveiled later this year.

In conjunction with the unveiling of the new name and logo, the RailRaiders announced the launch of their season ticket campaign for the 2006-07 season with the need to secure 2,000 commitments over the next six months to show club ownership, the American Hockey League and prospective National Hockey League clubs that Cincinnati is a viable hockey market.

"We need to demonstrate with real tangible numbers that there is support for professional hockey in our market," Robinson said. "A lot of people over the past five months have asked how they can help keep AHL hockey in Cincinnati. They can help in a lot of ways. They can buy season tickets for themselves, for their business or help by providing our organization with leads for potential season ticket holders." -- more -- Starting today, fans can make a $25 deposit on season tickets. Ticket prices for full season seat holders will range from $11.25 to $13.50 for adults; $9 for children age 12 and under. Season seat holders will enjoy on average a 24% discount over the prices that will be paid by the general public. The commitments fans give during this campaign are refundable. Robinson will take fans at their word that their show of support would be honored when an NHL affiliation is secured.

"A successful season ticket campaign will ensure our ability to secure an NHL affiliate for the 2006-07 season and beyond," Robinson said. "With the support of the community there is no question whatsoever that we'll have an American Hockey League team back on the ice again at Cincinnati Gardens."

THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME

- The train concept for the name of the team was developed June 9, 2005 when staff members Cindy Kist, Don Helbig and Susan Maxwell had a brainstorming session to discuss ideas for a new name. The three felt the name needed to have something to do with Cincinnati, but also tie in hockey. In discussing what Cincinnati was known for, Kist mentioned trains. Since hockey had been "derailed" for the 2005-06 season and the organization was looking to get it back on "track" the idea of using a train-themed name was born.

- On June 9, 2005, the Gardens Hockey Inc. staff began extensive research on the history of trains in Cincinnati and Union Terminal.

- The research on trains led to the discovery that history lines credit the first train robbery in the U.S. taking place May 5, 1865 in North Bend, when about a dozen men tore up tracks to derail an Ohio & Mississippi train that had departed from Cincinnati. More than 100 passengers were robbed at gunpoint of cash and jewelry. The raiders also blew open safes of the Adams Express Co. that were said to contain thousands of dollars in U.S. bonds. The raiders fled across the Ohio River into Kentucky. They were chased by military troops through Verona, Kentucky, but were never captured. Although the identity of the raiders was never discovered, Frank and Jesse James were suspected.

- On June 14, 2005, railroad/train-themed names began being discussed by the Gardens Hockey Inc. staff. Approximately 50 names were brought into the discussion for review and consideration.

- The list of potential names was narrowed down to three on June 29, 2005 and presented by the Gardens Hockey Inc. staff to President & CEO Pete Robinson for his review and consideration, as well as several marketing consultants in the sports and entertainment industry. One name stood out among all who were consulted: RailRaiders.

- On July 11, 2005, the name Cincinnati RailRaiders was registered and trademarked by Gardens Hockey Inc.

- The Hockey Company, a division of Reebok Inc., worked with the Gardens Hockey Inc. staff to design the new team logos. Blue, silver and black were selected as the team colors. Final artwork was approved September 14, 2005.

- The RailRaiders name and logo were unveiled at a news conference October 20, 2005 at the Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse.

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