Grrrowl reveals plans for 2004-05 season
April 27, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greenville Grrrowl News Release
GREENVILLE, SC â The Greenville Grrrowl of the ECHL have announced several items that are a part of initial plans for the 2004-05 hockey season, it's seventh in the BI-LO Center. The announcements were presented at a noon press conference earlier today.
PLAYER AGREEMENTS
John Marks, Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations, has announced that three players have agreed to terms for the 2004-05 season. All three players are forwards who came to the Grrrowl in trades during the season, and all showed a great deal of skill and potential. MIKE NELSON (47 pts.) and MARK CONCANNON (41 pts.) were number one and three, respectively, in final point standings for the Grrrowl, and RUSSELL SPENCE added 8 points in 25 games in Greenville.
"We wanted to start with the guys who we felt had the most potential and worked to prove that they belonged in this league," commented John Marks. "These three young players give us a solid foundation of talented players to put a winner back on the ice in October. We are hoping to fill a couple of more spots with some returning players, and along with an affiliate and the free agent system, will work hard to be strong from the first day of camp next season."
NHL/AHL AFFILIATION
The Greenville Grrrowl have agreed to an affiliation agreement with the CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS of the NHL, and the NORFOLK ADMIRALS, Chicago's AHL affiliate, for the upcoming season. The Grrrowl had been without an affiliate for the 2003-04 season, following a three-year relationship with the Atlanta Thrashers, who had moved the affiliation to the Gwinnett Gladiators for this past season. Head Coach John Marks played 12 seasons with the Blackhawks organization (a 1968 first-round draft selection), including an All-Star appearance in 1976. Marks played in 657 games, totaling 330 career points. Chicago, one of the original six NHL teams, has played 5,320 games in 78 seasons. Norfolk is tied 1-1 with the Philadelphia Phantoms in a seven-game Semifinals series, with game three being played on Tuesday evening in Norfolk.
"I am very happy, to say the least, about a renewed association with an organization that is so close to me personally," stated John Marks. "Chicago's history is very impressive, and their willingness to work with us in Greenville should be seen as a banner day in our history. We have been working on this agreement for a few months, and I feel that the commitment that Chicago and Norfolk have for their young prospects will benefit us immediately."
RYAN STEWART JOINS STAFF
Ryan Stewart has accepted a position as Assistant General Manager for the Greenville Grrrowl, effective May 3, 2004. Ryan has established himself as a fan-favorite in Greenville since the organizations inception in 1998, playing in 298 games as a Grrrowl (a franchise best) over five seasons. Ryan was a big part of the 2001-02 Kelly Cup Championship Team, and served as captain of the Grrrowl this past season, before ending the season with a broken foot.
"To say that I am excited to begin a new stage in my career is an understatement", stated Stewart. "I have developed a great love for this organization, community and fans in Greenville. We have a great opportunity to expose sports fans to the game of hockey, and to use the Grrrowl as a stage to support many non-profits in this market. I look forward to helping put the Grrrowl back at the top of the ECHL, and Greenville is where Lindsay and I want to make our home."
Ryan will handle duties in two major areas of the organization, both identified as needs as the organization enters its seventh season. He will oversee all activity with Center Ice Charities, a non-profit charity created in conjunction with the BI-LO Center and the Grrrowl. The direction of Center Ice Charities will encompass community relation's efforts as well as fund-raising campaigns for the Grrrowl and the BI-LO Center. Ryan will also support the organization in the locker room and on the ice, with direction from John Marks. His duties will include recruiting, on-ice instruction, administrative responsibilities (including travel, immigration, player housing, etc.).
Discounts for 2004-05 Greenville Grrrowl TOP DOG ticket early renewals are available through Friday, April 30th and sales for new season ticket holders begin on May 1, 2004. Please call 467-4777 for additional ticket information.
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