Glenn Hart Selected As Kozuback Award Winner

Published on March 21, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release


LAREDO, Texas - The Central Hockey League announced today that Laredo Bucks Owner / Governor Glenn Hart has been selected as the 2006 Rick Kozuback Award winner. The award is presented annually to the CHL owner, front office staff member, coach or player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, determination and commitment to the game, sport and business of hockey and is selected by the CHL front office based on nominations and supporting materials provided by member teams. The Bucks are home Sunday also against the Corpus Christi Rayz to close the 2005-06 CHL regular season. Face off set for 4 p.m. For more information on 2005-06 Bucks single game or playoff tickets call the Bucks office at (956) 718-BUCK (2825) or log onto www.laredobucks.com.

"I am very surprised and honored to be named the recipient of the Rick Kozuback Award," said Hart. "I greatly admire and respect what Rick has done for hockey and for the state of Texas. It took a lot of bravery and determination to get the WPHL to grow and to have it become successful. To be honored by the peers in your industry is a high compliment. No one wins an individual award in sports with out being part of a team. I want to thank my fellow owners including Kiki DeAyala, Bucks President John Beckelhymer, head coach Terry Ruskowski and the entire staff."

Rick Kozuback served as the first President of the Western Professional Hockey League when launched in 1996, played an integral role in completing the May 2001 merger between the WPHL and CHL, and currently serves as President & Chief Executive Officer of the CHL's parent company, Global Entertainment Corporation (Amex: GEE).

"We are extremely pleased to recognize Mr. Hart's contributions to our sport and our organization," said CHL President Brad Treliving. "He continues to be a highly respected and valued member of the Central Hockey League, and has built a well deserved reputation for leadership, integrity and dedication in all facets of his various operations."

A member of the CHL's Franchise Advisory Council and Governor of the Bucks, Hart has taken an active leadership role among ownership while overseeing one of the CHL's most successful franchises. In 1999 Hart's vision to further develop hockey brought him to Laredo, working with city leaders to develop the Laredo Entertainment Center which opened in fall of 2002. The Laredo Bucks debuted in the CHL during the 2002-03 CHL season and under the leadership of Hart were selected as the CHL Franchise of the Year. Laredo averaged better than 6,000 fans per game that season and led all of minor league hockey in playoff attendance at 7,400 fans per 2003 post season contest. The Bucks captured the CHL President's Cup in 2004 and have made back-to-back trips to the finals.

"Glenn Hart is most deserving of this award. Over the past 12 years, he has been the driving force in bringing hockey to Houston and Laredo" Bucks CEO and fellow Owner Julian ‘Kiki' DeAyala said. "He has not only invested his money in hockey, he has invested his time in working with the CHL and their partners to produce a better product and league. Glenn is a tremendous manager of people, partner and friend and I am thrilled that he is being recognized as the recipient of the Rick Kozabuck award."

In 1994 Hart purchased an International Hockey League franchise for his adopted home

town of Houston, winning the IHL championship in their fourth season of play while also building a state of the art ice skating facility and helping to grow the area's youth hockey program from 150 members to the several thousand currently participating. His first coach of the Aeros was Terry Ruskowski, who currently leads the Laredo Bucks.

"Glenn has been a big part of my life in hockey and a big part of hockey in Laredo," said Ruskowski. "I am proud to be his coach and he is certainly deserving of this honor. I congratulate him whole heartedly."

President and co-founder of Laredo Energy, Hart is a 1978 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he recently completed a three year term on the Executive Board of the University's 12th Man Foundation, which is responsible for generating funds and awareness for the school's athletic programs. This past fall the Bucks played a CHL exhibition game in College Station at the brand new Arctic Wolf Ice Center which Hart developed. The Bucks wore special Aggie hockey jerseys which were auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting Aggie hockey.

"In the spirit of furthering minor league hockey Glenn has stood at the forefront," Bucks President John Beckelhymer said. "Glenn is a man from Houston who had a dream to put a hockey team in South Texas. The Bucks have flourished and contributed greatly to the economic growth of Laredo. Because of the incredible vision of Glenn Hart I can't think of anyone more deserving of the Rick Kozuback Award."

Hart and his wife Lauren reside in Houston with their children Michael, Katie and Landon.

BUCKS PLAYOFF TICKETS

- Bucks playoff tickets go on sale this Sunday at 10 a.m. at the LEC Box Office.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

- On Sunday the Bucks host the Corpus Christi Rayz to close the 2005-06 CHL regular season. Face off set for 4 p.m. The first 2,000 kids age 12 and under get a Bucks Youth Hockey Jersey courtesy of AT&T and Cingular. Families can take advantage of a four pack of tickets, starting at 48 dollars. Fans can enjoy a post-game skate on Sunday with the Bucks players.

BUCKS MERCHANDISE ONLINE

- Laredo Bucks merchandise is now available online at big savings. Log onto www.laredobucks.com and gear up today.

BECOME A BUCKS BACKER

- Support the Bucks by becoming a Corporate Sponsor. For a complete marketing plan contact the Bucks at (956) 718-BUCKS (2825).

BUCKS IN THE COMMUNITY

- To schedule an appearance by a Bucks player, coach, or member of the front office staff call Nicole Kupaks at (956) 523-6586 or email her at nkupaks@laredobucks.com.

BUCKS ON THE AIR / INTERNET

- Follow the Bucks on Laredo's Country 1490 AM. Also catch the Bucks live all season long on the world-wide-web at www.sportsjuice.com.

BUCKS HIGHLIGHTS ONLINE

- Listen to audio highlights of the Bucks online at www.laredobucks.com in the multimedia section.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 21, 2006


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