Gorillas Win Award for Franchise Improvement
June 6, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
The incredible record-breaking 2002-2003 season for the Amarillo Gorillas was recognized by the Central Hockey League during the Convention in Phoenix, Arizona this week.
The Gorillas were presented with the CHL's Most Improved Franchise Award at the banquet on Wednesday night. President Brad Treliving gave the plaque to Gorillas General Managing Partners Bill Toliver, Joel Smith and Gary Thach as well as Head Coach, Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras.
The award is given annually to the CHL's franchise which demonstrated the most improvement on and off the ice during the 2002-2003 season.
"It is always nice when your team receives an award to signify all of the hard work and changes that took place during the one year period," said Head Coach Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras. "The contributions by both the staff in the office and the dedication the players shown on the ice is a compliment to the new ownership group and in particular the community of Amarillo that has stuck by the hockey in this city during lean times.
"We hope to use this as a springboard to become one of the elite franchises in the Central Hockey League."
The Gorillas set various records including a 39-23-2 won-loss record, most wins on home ice and the first post-season birth by a Amarillo professional hockey club in more than seven years.
Amarillo was one of the CHL's many success story during the past season which began almost a year ago when a group of local residents purchased the franchise. More than 1000 fans took part in a Name-The-Team Contest where the name Gorillas was chosen.
The success of the Gorillas was due in large part to a small staff that worked tirelessly during a short off-season to prepare the franchise. Despite the uncertainty whether or not hockey would return in the city, the staff worked hard to make sure everything was in place for the new season.
"The Amarillo Gorillas were most deserving of recognition for both significant successes both on and off the ice this year," said CHL President Brad Treliving. "Coach Ferras and his staff enjoyed outstanding on-ice success, while Gorillas ownership and staff can take pride in a number of operational and business results which have greatly strengthened their organization."
Gorillas also nominated in another category
The Amarillo Gorillas also received another prestigious honor during the banquet when Denis J. Puska was nominated for the Broadcaster of the Year Award along with Chris Due of the Lubbock Cotton Kings and Glen Norman of the Austin ice Bats.
Puska, a native of Kapuskasing, Ontario Canada completed just his second season in the CHL with Amarillo.
"It was a tremendous honor to be nominated along with Glen Norman of Austin and Chris Due of Lubbock," said Puska. "The CHL has such a deep and talented roster of broadcasters who are always raising the bar. I am constantly learning from them every day."
The Amarillo Gorillas are busily preparing for the 2003-2004 season and everyone is encouraged to get involved. Season Ticket and Corporate Packages are now available by calling 806-242-7825.
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Central Hockey League Stories from June 6, 2003
- Gorillas Win Award for Franchise Improvement - Amarillo Gorillas
- 'Kings Due For A Change - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Rod Evans Brings Back Hardware - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Taylor Lost in Expansion Draft - Indianapolis Ice
- Ice Earns Three Awards at CHL Banquet - Indianapolis Ice
- CHL Announces Alignment - Tulsa Oilers
- Oilers GM Wins Award - Tulsa Oilers
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