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ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Local Businessmen Join Gladiators Ownership Group

May 16, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


Gwinnett County Hockey, LLC, parent to the East Coast Hockey League's Gwinnett Gladiators announced today that five local business entrepreneurs have become investment partners in Gwinnett's first professional hockey team. The new members of the ownership group are Jay Gilbertson of Duluth, Tom Sapitowicz of Cobb County, Dan and Cathy Hauck of Roswell and Jim Pinard of Duluth.

"We are proud to have these five as the first group of local investment partners of the Gladiator family," stated Toby Jeffreys, CEO, and Managing Member of GCH, LLC.

Each of the new partners approached the Gladiators about ownership opportunities following the team's announcement in early 2002 that would bring hockey to The Arena at the Gwinnett Center.

Gilbertson is a Certified Public Accountant that has spent the past 15 years working for several Fortune 500 companies, leading the merger and acquisition groups. In addition, Jay has spent the last five years as a private investor. His investments have primarily been in wireless technology, insurance, and real estate.

Sapitowicz is a 1982 Georgia Tech graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering and has worked for Inglett & Stubbs, LLC since graduating. His recent projects have included Olympic Stadium, Turner Field, Philips Arena, and The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Tom is a Silver Sponsor of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and he and his wife Polly serve as volunteers on the ShotLink Committees for The Tour of Champions and BellSouth Classic golf tournaments. They are the parents of two college aged children.

Dan Hauck and his wife Cathy are the General Partners of Gable Gate Enterprises, L.L.L.P., a private investment company. Dan is currently president of Alphagen Laboratories, a privately held generic pharmaceutical distributor. Dan was previously vice-president of W.E. Hauck, Inc. pharmaceuticals, in addition, he was a founder as well as the first president of First Horizon Pharmaceutical Corporation. Cathy is a registered nurse who worked at Emory University Hospital for 19 years and is also a former Naval officer. Active in youth sports in Roswell and at their church, they are the parents of two college-aged children.

"I grew up in Clinton, NY, home of the Comets of the Eastern Hockey League (predecessor to the ECHL) and was an avid fan," said Dan Hauck about becoming a Gladiators owner. "The coach of the team for many years was Pat Kelly in whose honor the ECHL championship trophy is named. When I saw that ECHL hockey was coming to the area and there was an ownership opportunity, I had to get involved."

Jim Pinard has been a Real Estate Broker in the Metro Atlanta Area since 1977, and is currently an Associate Broker at The River Club; a new Crescent Resources Greg Norman designed golf course and Community in Suwanee. Earlier this year, Jim was awarded the prestigious Double Phoenix Award for 20 years $million club. An avid golfer and member of the Professional Golfer's Association of America from 1971 to 1981, Jim has been involved with Metro Atlanta Youth For Christ as well as working with inner city under privileged children and different high schools in metro Atlanta for over 24 years. Jim resides in Duluth, with his wife Dina, who is also a successful real estate broker.

"After spending considerable time with each individual we were very comfortable that they offer significant benefits to our organization in developing the Gladiator brand of affordable family entertainment," said Bill Davidson, Gwinnett Gladiators President.

"Local involvement from local leaders is an important part of minor league sports," said Steve Chapman, Gladiators Vice President & General Manager. "These five individuals are major assets for us in the community and will assist us with networking, providing leads for season tickets and sponsorships business insights."

The Gwinnett Gladiators begin their first season at the brand new state-of-the-art Arena at Gwinnett Center on October 24th vs. the Augusta Lynx. Season tickets are on sale for all 36 home games by calling the Gladiators ticket office at (770)-497-5100.

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