Killer Bees Capture Awards At CHL Conference

Published on June 18, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


HIDALGO, TEXAS --- The success of the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (CHL) was recognized at the Central Hockey League's Summer Conference Awards Banquet on Saturday, June 16, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. The organization was nominated for eight of 15 annual awards, with two heading back to Hidalgo.

Topping the list were the selections of Grant Buckborough as CHL Executive of the Year, Jennifer Sides as the league's Ticketing Executive of the Year and a nomination for CHL Franchise of the Year.

Buckborough just completed his 11th season in the Central Hockey League and second as General Manager of the Bees. The Niagara Falls, Ontario, native began his CHL career with Amarillo in 1996, when the league began play as the Western Professional Hockey League. His other stops include time with the New Mexico Scorpions and Youngstown Steelhounds. Buckborough began his career as an account executive with Amarillo, rising to the role of general manager with the Bees.

"I came to Texas 11 years ago with some clothes, a set of golf clubs, and that's it," said Buckborough. "I didn't even have a car. To be recognized by the league is a tremendous honor, and is a reflection of my current staff and the people I have worked with through the years."

Sides completed her fourth season with the Killer Bees in 2006-07. She started as an account representative in the ticket department in February, 2003, and was promoted to oversee all ticket functions in March, 2006. She is an original member of the Bees' front office, and helped the organization earn the CHL's Franchise of the Year Award in 2004 and the CHL's Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year Award in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

"There are so many hard working and creative ticket executives and staffs in the league. Winning this award was unexpected," explained Sides.

The Bees were also nominated for six other awards. Rich Bocchini was among the four finalists for the CHL Broadcaster of the Year award as well as the CHL Communications Executive of the Year award.

In addition to the Franchise of the Year nomination, the organization as a whole was nominated for CHL Marketing Franchise of the Year, Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year and Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year.

"As we put the pieces in place for our Fifth Anniversary Season, I want to again thank our fans and corporate sponsors for making hockey in South Texas a success," said Buckborough.

Killer Bees season tickets are available now for the 2007-08 season, the team's fifth in the Central Hockey League. The franchise will celebrate five years of hockey in South Texas with special events throughout the season. The CHL schedule is expected to be released in July.

For ticket and sponsorship information, call 956-843-PUCK (7825).

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Central Hockey League Stories from June 18, 2007


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