Hitmen Have a New Home
September 1, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Chicago Hitmen News Release
Geneva, IL - The Chicago Hitmen are proud to announce that the Fox Valley Ice Arena will be the new home for both our North American Hockey League and North American 3Hockey League teams. After eight seasons calling West Meadows Ice Arena home as both the Chicago Force of the CSHL and then the Chicago Hitmen of the NAHL and NA3HL, it became clear that the addition of a second team to the organization necessitated a move to a larger facility.
"We are excited for the new chapter for our organization. We believe that this summer we added a top flight head coach in Brent Agrusa and now have a facility to match," said Mark Hammersmith Sr. the owner of the Hitmen. While move to Fox Valley is the final off-ice step to raising the profile of the second year NAHL team, Hammersmith was quick to thank West Meadows for their partnership over the last eight years saying "we couldn't have grown like we have without them." Fox Valley Ice Arena provides the Hitmen with ample locker room space for both the NAHL and NA3HL rosters along with access to the workout facility on the second floor. For the staff there will be significantly more office space.
Besides upgraded facilities for the players and staff, the new home also means a more fan friendly experience. The rink features seating on three sides of the ice along with skyboxes available for corporate events or family parties. Chelios' Pub and Grill is attached to the rink and has windows through which Hitmen fans can watch from inside the restaurant at the east side of the rink while enjoying a meal.
NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld is excited about the move and what it means for the organization; "Having hosted an NAHL team for many years in the past, Fox Valley Ice Arena is a proven facility that will allow the Chicago Hitmen every opportunity to continue to be successful in both the NAHL and 3HL."
Fox Valley Ice Arena is located in 1996 S Kirk Rd., Geneva, IL. This is not the first time that Fox Valley Ice Arena will be the home to a NAHL franchise as the Chicago Freeze played there from 1997-2003.
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The Chicago Hitmen will be playing their second season in the NAHL this year, this will be the ninth season in the NA3HL (formerly the Central States Hockey League). The Hitmen are the defending NA3HL Hurster Cup champions.
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North American Hockey League Stories from September 1, 2011
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