Gorillas Coach wins Rick Kozuback Award
March 11, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
AMARILLO, TX â The Amarillo Gorillas of the Central Hockey League received some excellent news today (Thursday) when it was announced that Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manger, Joe Ferras, has been honored with the Rick Kozuback Award.
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 in recognition of original WPHL President Rick Kozuback.
"Joe is a great leader both on and off the ice," said Amarillo Gorillas Assistant Coach Brian Pellerin. "His tireless work to make Amarillo hockey and everyone around him successful is an inspiration. I consider myself fortunate to not only have Joe as a friend, but to also be able to work with him and learn from him everyday. Most of the work Joe does goes unnoticed, so I believe this award is very deserving."
Ferras is completing his second full season behind the bench of the Amarillo Gorillas and his third year in Amarillo. In the last two years, he has compiled a winning percentage of over .600, won 75 games and more importantly has guided the team to back-to-back trips to the Central Hockey League playoffs. Ferras' charges have also broken Amarillo professional hockey records for most wins in a season and most home ice wins at The Jungle.
"Based on the prestige of this award, we are honored that Joe was selected to receive the Rick Kozuback Award," said Gary Thach, Hockey Sports of Amarillo General Managing Partner. "Joe's passion and commitment to hockey both to the Central Hockey League and to the Amarillo Gorillas is unparalleled.
"This year has been especially demanding on Joe not just with the pressure on the ice but through the personal tragedy that he has faced. He has been able to maintain a level of success, professionalism and commitment.
"Joe is a great ambassador for the city of Amarillo and Hockey Sports of Amarillo is thrilled to see him recognized."
The 2003-2004 season has been an especially challenging one for the Brantford, Ontario Canada native. In November, faced with a slow start, the Gorillas embarked on a nine-game road trip through south Texas.
The Amarillo Gorillas began to build the momentum that would lead to the club coming within one victory of equaling the Central Hockey League record for most consecutive wins on the road and most consecutive wins.
However, in the new year Ferras has been faced with even bigger obstacles that have challenged both his mind and his heart. He has been faced with tragedy twice in two months including the loss of father.
Amarillo Civic Center facilities manager Kris Miller was pleased to see Joe Ferras getting recognized for his contributions to the game of hockey in Amarillo.
"Joe is a great guy and is very professional about his job," Tracy Young, Marketing Administrator with Budweiser Distributing Company. "He is very dedicated to the game of hockey and Amarillo is fortunate to have a guy like Joe Ferras and I hope he will be here for a long time."
This is the second major award given to the Amarillo Gorillas in the two years of the franchise's history as last season the team was given the Most Improved Franchise Award.
The Amarillo Gorillas return to Central Hockey League action tomorrow night (Friday) when they host the New Mexico Scorpions at 7 p.m. It's Rosa's Café Night and also fan appreciation night. There will be a full team autograph session immediately after the game. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite hockey jersey.
On Saturday night the Gorillas host the Oklahoma City Blazers at 7 p.m. It's Coor's Light Night and the Gorillas will wear their St. Patrick's Day Jerseys and an auction follows in the Ape Escape.
Gorillas tickets can be purchased at the Gorillas hockey office located at 1934 Civic Circle; the Civic Center Box Office all Panhandle Ticket Outlets located at Randy's Music Mart, the WT Event Center in Canyon and United Supermarkets. Fans can charge by phone 378-3096 or on line at panhandletickets.com.
Both games can be heard live on Hot 99.7 FM beginning with Gorillas Game Night at 6 p.m. with play-by-play action to follow at 7 p.m. with Denis J. Puska. Both games are also available on CHLTV.com and fans should consult the website for pricing and system requirements.
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Central Hockey League Stories from March 11, 2004
- RiverKings' Jay Neal visits Ronald McDonald House - Mississippi RiverKings
- Bucks vs. Killer Bees First Round Playoff Dates, Single Game Tickets On Sale Monday - Laredo Bucks
- Bats Take Six-Game Streak into Final Week - Austin Ice Bats
- Amarillo's Joe Ferras Named CHL Rick Kozuback Award Winner - CHL
- Gorillas Coach wins Rick Kozuback Award - Amarillo Gorillas
- Reid Honored With CHL Goalie of the Year - San Angelo Saints
- San Angelo's Scott Reid Receives CHL's Most Outstanding Goaltender Award - CHL
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