IceGators' transfer of ownership is complete
Published on May 8, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, LA â The East Coast Hockey League's Board of Governors has approved Gator Play LLC's purchase of the Louisiana IceGators, the team announced at a Thursday press conference at the Cajundome. Gator Play LLC takes over the membership from Orlando Predators Entertainment Inc., which purchased the IceGators in July 2002.
Gator Play LLC consists of local business people who are committed to helping hockey thrive in Lafayette. The group includes John Lingo, David Buck, Scott Young, Dee Anne Dimmick, Kevin Vincent and Collins Thibodeaux.
"Every member of this group is a season ticket holder and has been, and they all have ties to both family and business here in Acadiana," said Lingo. "We just wanted to make sure hockey had another shot in Lafayette. We want to get it back to an entertaining three hours, from the time you walk in the door to the time they announce the first star of the game."
"This is great news for the city of Lafayette and all of Acadiana," said IceGators head coach and vice president of hockey operations Dave Farrish. "We have an ownership group that has seen the importance of the IceGators organization to the community, both monetarily and as a sense of pride. I think it's great that this group has stepped up and filled the void, and has taken on the responsibility of restoring the IceGators to one of the more prominent teams in the East Coast Hockey League. They have been season ticket holders for many years, and understand what the organization means to the city, the fans and the business community, as well as the charitable organizations they have been involved with for several years. They have made a commitment in the business office to hire qualified people and give them the proper financial resources to be able to bring the fan base back to where it needs to be, and to allow the players and staff into the community, working with kids and local charities, and getting the IceGators back to the pinnacle of popularity that they once had here in Acadiana."
"From a personal point of view, it's nice to be entering into the summer months with some security and knowing that the hockey club is going to be here for a long time to come," added Farrish. "We're looking forward to a renewed relationship in the community by the organization, and are also looking forward to the support of the fans and businesses in Acadiana for the upcoming season and many more to come."
"I'd like to personally thank the new ownership for insuring that the Louisiana IceGators will remain in Lafayette and Acadiana," said Farrish.
"More than anything, we're wanting to keep the youth involvement in hockey, and this is the best way to do it," added Lingo. "Whether ice or at the in-line level, you've got to start with the kids."
The 2003-04 ECHL schedule will be announced Friday at 3 p.m. (ct). The IceGators will start their ninth ECHL season, having gone 351-158-57 (.671 winning percentage). Farrish has gone 138-56-22 in his three years as head coach.
ECHL Stories from May 8, 2003
- A Generous Gift to our Armed Forces - Columbia Inferno
- ECHL Approves Sale of Louisiana to Local Group - ECHL
- IceGators' transfer of ownership is complete - Louisiana IceGators
- All Along The Coast - ECHL
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