Loggerheads Front Office Announced
Published on August 18, 2003 under SPHL (SPHL) News Release
CELEBRATION, Fla. â The World Hockey Association 2 (WHA2) today announced that two hockey veterans will be running the front office of the Lakeland Loggerheads and have bought the majority ownership of the franchise.
Rick Ladouceur will coach the Loggerheads as well as act as General Manager. Ladouceur has over 20 years coaching experience in junior, university, and youth hockey. Ladouceur recently sold his Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Ottawa Senators Jr. A Hockey Club where he was the coach, GM, and owner.
Tony Zappia will act as Director of Operations and Associate Coach. Zappia has over 30 years coaching experience in junior, university, and European hockey. Zappia was previously the coach and GM of the CJHL Kanata Stallions Jr. A Hockey Club.
"We thought this was an incredible opportunity to be involved with a new league in a great city." Ladouceur said. "We plan on being very involved with the Lakeland community and with the fans and so far the support we have received has been fantastic."
"We have enjoyed working with the staff of the Lakeland Center and are looking forward to the start of our season." Zappia said.
"It's great to have true âhockey people' running the show in Lakeland", Peter Young, WHA2 President of Hockey Operations said.
"I understand Rick and Tony will be holding a number of free agent camps in Southern Ontario in the next month so I'm assuming they'll be recruiting young junior âA' graduates. That should make the Loggerheads a young, fast team."
The Loggerheads will face off against WHA2 opponents the Alabama Slammers, Jacksonville Barracudas, Macon Trax, Miami Manatees, and Orlando Seals. Lakeland opens the season at home against Macon on Friday, November 7th.
SPHL Stories from August 18, 2003
- Barracudas, WHA2 Introduce 'Grades for Blades' - Jacksonville Barracudas
- 'Grades for Blades' Unveiled - SPHL
- Loggerheads Front Office Announced - SPHL
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