Gorillas Extend Contract of Joe Ferras as Head Coach
Published on February 20, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
AMARILLO, TX â There is an old saying that suggests a team is only good as its leader.
The success of the Amarillo Gorillas has been due in large part to the hard work of there Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Joe Ferras both behind the bench and in the Business Operations.
Hockey Sports of Amarillo, the local ownership group of the Amarillo Gorillas, have taken notice of the outstanding success the Gorillas have achieved in their inaugural season. As a result they have rewarded Coach Ferras with a 2-year contract extension that will keep him with the Gorillas organization through the 2004-2005 season.
Along with the coaching duties, Ferras will continue his role in aiding on the Business Operations side of the Amarillo Gorillas and will add the title of Assistant General Manager to go along with Director of Hockey Operations.
"I am very grateful that the ownership group has showed confidence in me and very happy to be a part of the community of Amarillo," said Ferras. "This organization has a very bright future, and from day one with the support of Local ownership and the community of Amarillo our goal as been the same â to put together a in a quality hockey program and to start a winning tradition that we can all be proud of."
The Amarillo Gorillas are having a record-breaking season with a mark of 31-17-1 for 63 points and are in a three-way tie for third place in the Northern Conference. The Gorillas are just shy of setting new records for most victories in a season by an Amarillo professional hockey club and most wins on home ice.
"The success that we are having this season is definitely a product of the character and work ethic that our players have shown all-year long," said Ferras. "With 15 games remaining in the season and being in the middle of this incredible playoff race, it is a very exciting time."
Hockey Sports of Amarillo General Managing Partner Gary Thach says the ownership is thrilled to have Joe Ferras serving the hockey club in a dual role.
"When we started we wanted to surround us with people who are committed to winning and we believe that hockey fans deserve that," said Hockey Sports of Amarillo General Managing Partner Gary Thach. "With everything that Joe has accomplished this season, we have agreed to a two-year contract with him.
"We want to build consistency within our organization and to have Joe with us will help us build in that direction."
The Amarillo Gorillas have three very important games this weekend beginning with a home game against the New Mexico Scorpions at 7 p.m. on Friday night.
It's Racing Night and the Gorillas will wear their racing jerseys that have been signed by Bobby Labonte. An auction will follow at the Ape Escape immediately following the game.
The Gorillas will travel to Odessa to face the Southwest Division leading Jackalopes on Saturday at 7 p.m. and the two teams will meet again on Sunday night at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center at 6 p.m.
Central Hockey League Stories from February 20, 2003
- Gorillas Extend Contract of Joe Ferras as Head Coach - Amarillo Gorillas
- Oilers Fall to Laredo - Tulsa Oilers
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