Loggers introduce team to public during press conference
Published on September 14, 2010 under All American Hockey League (AAHL)
Lapeer Loggers News Release
Lapeer, MI - The Lapeer Loggers, proud members of the All American Hockey League (AAHL) release the details on the press conference held today at 12 pm EST at the home of the Lapeer Loggers, the Polar Palace Arena.
On hand for the press conference was newly hired Head Coach Lorne Knauft, Majority Owner George Harrison and Promotions manager Chuck Harrison.
"I want to thank everyone for coming out today for the kickoff of the Lapeer Loggers, proud member of the All American Hockey League, a Single A developmental league that puts players into the next level that the Flint Generals played at," said George Harrison. "We are a six-team league and come to Lapeer after pro hockey failed in Flint. We don't expect to be a replacement for that, but do expect to provide good family entertainment.
"We've assembled a good crew with our General Manager of Tyler Harrison, a graduate of St. Cloud University in Minnesota. He graduated with a degree in sports management. Chuck Harrison will handle promotional venues in Lapeer and Flint. To my left is Lorne Knauft, recently announced as our coach and this will be his inaugural coaching stint."
"People asked, why Lorne Knauft," Harrison said. "After 15 years of knowing Lorne, I know him to be a stand-up guy, and even though we didn't always agree, I made the call and knew I was getting the right guy for the job."
"I am very, very, very excited about the opportunity and have contact with former Generals, Border Cats and others to build the team," Knauft added. "I'm looking at Lapeer, especially, and hope for a good turnout of possible players to put together the best team for the area."
"Anything less than a championship, then we are here for the wrong reason," Knauft said of the Loggers' expectations. "I want to coach the same way I played. I won't lie to you. I have contacted former Generals players and we may very well see them on the team."
Harrison added that he's looking for good ties to the community and stressed that this team is not a Flint team, but a Lapeer team: "We're here for the long haul and hope the community embraces us."
Knauft added, "I'm a real big believer in treating people how you want to be treated and we'll bring that to our fans."
Harrison then explained the team's new look and logo.
"Our new logo is red, white and black from the Ottawa Senators. This is a Lapeer team and it will be the fabric of the community. We will use the great facilities here at the Polar Palace to get people into the building," Harrison said. "I've had comments about being from Canada, but I'm American. I went to school here, grew up here."
The almost-completed logo bears a lumberjack sporting hockey gloves, and in the final version, he'll have skates over one shoulder and a more aesthetic Lapeer Loggers typeface. As Harrison noted, it's a start in giving the team its identity.
"Some teams have said that they are concerned that we may be too talented to play," Harrison said. "I'm taking that with a grain of salt. We're in the infancy of the program, we have a lot of interest in the area and that will help us get the best of the best and put local kids on a team with guys who have played pro hockey."
All American Hockey League Stories from September 14, 2010
- Indiana Blizzard Comes Alive - Indiana Blizzard
- Loggers introduce team to public during press conference - Lapeer Loggers
- Lapeer Loggers, members of the Lapeer Chamber of Commerce - Lapeer Loggers
- Lapeer Loggers, South Muskoka Shield announce development deal - Lapeer Loggers
- Championships Built Through Defense - Battle Creek Revolution
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
