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Head Coach Allain and GM Richard Laying the Foundation

May 18, 2006 - SPHL (SPHL)
Jacksonville Barracudas News Release


Building a competitive hockey team is a lot like building a luxurious house. While flashy amenities like a hot tub, swimming pool, or a Barracudas wall mural may be attention grabbers, they'll be of little value if the foundation of the house is not solid. By the same token, its been proven time and time again in professional hockey that you can assemble a team chock full of flashy stars, but if the team does not have the character and grit to perform under adversity, they have little chance of being successful.

Barracudas General Manager Gilles Richard and Head Coach Rick Allain are working hard to build the 2006-2007 Barracudas with this in mind.

"We're looking to bring in players who not only have a high skill level, but also bring a lot of character and grit to the team," says Richard. "Fans will see a common thread with the players that we sign, especially early in the off-season. They are good hockey players, but also great teammates who are good with fans, and committed to being involved with the community."

Richard and Allain are focusing on developing a core of players that the fans will be able to identify with, and while lineup changes are inevitable, fans should expect to see a more stable roster this season. This will allow the players not only to grow as a team on the ice, but also become a stronger part of the community, and to establish stronger relationships with Barracudas fans. It is, after all, your team!

Seating redesigned at arena as season ticket renewal deadline draws near.

Things will look a little different at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena during the Barracudas' games this season. In an effort to create more intimacy and a better atmosphere at games, and to create more advertising revenue opportunities, the Barracudas will close sections with historically the weakest attendance, from 101 to 116. Sections 100 and 117 will be used exclusively as seating for the new "Party Decks" (more information to be announced), while the remaining sections will be covered with a tarp and used for advertising.

"It's a win-win situation for everyone involved," said GM Gilles Richard. "The fans get a more exciting atmosphere, and the Barracudas have new opportunities to generate revenue."

Many Barracudas season ticket holders are calling the Barracudas' office to renew their tickets for the 2006-2007 season. Those who have not are reminded that they have until June 1st, 2006 to lock in their seats for next season and take advantage of the special renewal prices. See the below for the 2006-2007 season ticket prices, and for the redesigned seating chart.

Finally, do you only like going to weekend games, or only Tuesday night games? Do you have a group of five who would love to go to a couple of games at a discounted rate? Would you like to give Barracudas tickets to employees as incentives or congratulations on a job well done? Well, the 10-ticket Flex Packs are your solution! They are booklets of ten ticket vouchers, usable for any game, in any combination. So if your schedule does not allow you to commit to an entire season, but you want to support professional hockey in Jacksonville and take in some exciting hockey action this season, call the Barracudas' office now and purchase your 10-ticket Flex Packs today!

Ice Level (rows A, B):

$1,110.00 (season)

$1054.50 (Paid in full by 6/1/06)

$980.00 (Renewal Price)

$980.00 (Military Price)

Lowe Bowl Sides:

10-ticket Flex Packs: $180.00 (reg: $200.00)

$504.00 (season)

$478.80 (Paid in full by 6/1/06)

$440.00 (Renewal Price)

$350.00 (Military Price)

Arena Club Box:

10-ticket Flex Packs: $210.00 (reg: $230.00)

$700.00 (season)

$670.50 (Paid in full by 6/1/06)

$670.50 (Renewal Price)

$600.00 (Military Price)

Lower Bowl End:

10-ticket Flex Packs: $110.00 (reg: $130.00)

$328.00 (season)

$311.60 (Paid in full by 6/1/06)

$295.00 (Renewal Price)

$250.00 (Military Price)

Watch for the Barracuda Bus rollin' Soon!

If you're driving down one of Jacksonville's major roadways and you happen to see a huge Barracuda Bus, don't worry. Your Barracuda-withdrawal is not causing hallucinations. The Barracudas have recently purchased a luxury motor coach this off-season, and fans should get used to seeing it all over town.

"We had the opportunity to make the investment in a bus that will not only carry the players on road trips, but will also be used as a marketing tool," commented GM Richard. "We are currently in the process of getting the outside wrapped in a Barracudas theme to help get the team's name and logo in the community, and the inside customized so that the players ride in style."

Be on the lookout for the Barracudas' bus at many events this summer throughout North East Florida.

Barracudas first ever street team looking for members!

The Barracudas are forming the first ever "Barracudas Street Team", and are looking for energetic, outgoing fans and hockey lovers to help get the word out about the Barracudas this off-season.

These hockey-mad volunteers will be attending local events, bars, campuses, and other gathering places handing out information and meeting with as many people as possible throughout the summer.

The Street Team is already at work, attending the annual Shrimp Festival held in Fernandina last weekend! The next event is right around the corner on May 20th where the team will be chilling with Chomper at the Jacksonville Landing for Lite 96.1's Kid's Day!

If you are interested in joining the team, please send an e-mail to jaxcudasfan@yahoo.com. You can also check out the Street Team's website at www.myspace.com/jaxcudasteam. Please include your name and e-mail address so we can contact you about all of our events.

News from around the SPHL

Florida Seals: The familiar voice of the Florida Seals is heading on to the United Hockey League. Adam Minnick, Director of Media Relations and Broadcaster for the Florida Seals this past season, and for the Macon Trax before that, has left the Seals to take up an opportunity outside of the SPHL. The Barracudas wish him luck.

Pee Dee Cyclones: The Cyclones have resigned their star forward, Edan Welch. Welch had 37 goals and 69 points last season for the Cyclones. They Cyclones have also signed defenseman Scott English. The 6-foot, 220-pound English is a veteran of the Central Hockey League, and played for coach Mark Richards in Tulsa.

Fayetteville FireAntz: The FireAntz have resigned goaltender Chad Collins. The 2004-2004 SPHL rookie and goaltender of the year joined the FireAntz midway through last season, and was stellar in the playoffs, ultimately losing to the Florida Seals.

Richmond Renegades: Old-school hockey fans will recognize the Renegades Head Coach. John Brophy, former Toronto Maple Leafs coach, will be leading the Renegades this season. Brophy has won more professional games as a coach than anyone except Scotty Bowman.

News from around the hockey world

Those of you following the exciting NHL playoffs have no-doubt taken note of the play of young Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Stall. The Hurricanes had a slow start in the playoffs, but after dropping the first two games they are blazing their way through the Eastern Conference, and it's Stall leading the way with 15 points in 11 games.

How does this relate to the Barracudas, you ask? Stall's coach for his developmental seasons in junior hockey was the Barracudas' own Head Coach Rick Allain. Stall is just one example of the top-level talent that Coach Allain has coached. So, next time you watch the Hurricanes, track down big number 12. He'll probably be the one putting the puck in the back of the net.



SPHL Stories from May 18, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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