Henley Sports Announces Purchase of ECHL's Pensacola Ice Pilots
Published on August 18, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Pensacola Ice Pilots News Release
Pensacola, Fla. - Henley Sports Inc., owned by Mario Forgione, majority owner of the Mississauga IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League announced today that, subject to league approval, he has acquired the Pensacola Ice Pilots of ECHL, formerly the East Coast Hockey League, from Tim Kerr, a 13 year veteran of the NHL.
The ECHL, which began play in 1988 and is currently comprised of 28 teams based in the United States and Canada, is a feeder league to the AHL, which is the farm system to the NHL. Most of the ECHL clubs are affiliated with AHL clubs through affiliation agreements with NHL clubs.
"We are thrilled to be a part of this league through our acquisition of the Pensacola Ice Pilots," said Mario Forgione. "The fans in Pensacola have been tremendous supporters of the club in the past and we look forward to working with Tim, who will remain with the club, and the great people who work for the Ice Pilots, and continuing to build upon the great job that they have done over the past few seasons. Together, we will work hard in our support of the community of Pensacola, while pursuing a commitment of bringing a Kelly Cup Championship to Pensacola." Tim Kerr, who has owned the club for the past couple of seasons, said, "I am very excited for the fans in Pensacola to have a new ownership group that has so much hockey and business knowledge. I look forward to working with Mario Forgione to keep hockey in Pensacola for many years to come."
The Ice Pilots claimed the Brabham Cup, as regular season champions, in the 2004-2005 season, while posting a record of 56-16-5, and will celebrate its tenth anniversary as a member of the ECHL this season.
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