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Mallards Name Jim Riggs as Executive Vice President

July 8, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Quad City Mallards News Release


MOLINE, IL (July 8, 2009) - The Quad City Mallards announced on Wednesday that Jim Riggs has been named as the club's executive vice president, according to Christopher Lencheski, managing member of the Mallards. As executive vice president, Mr. Riggs will direct all business activities, sales, and media and hockey operations for the Mallards professional hockey club in the new IHL. Riggs will assume his new role on Friday, July 10.

"We are delighted to welcome someone of Jim's caliber into the Mallards organization," said Lencheski. "Given all of his hands-on experience with and exposure to all facets of professional hockey, Jim will be an invaluable asset as we begin to build momentum and create a hockey brand of which all of Quad Cities can be proud. I have followed Jim ‘s success over the years at the CHL's Memphis RiverKings as well the Autozone Liberty Bowl and I am big fan of his hand-on, folksy approach to the fans and sponsors, he has a proven track record and he brings an enthusiasm and drive to our club as we begin to assemble the pieces for the most entertaining team in hockey."

"I am thrilled to join the Mallards' dynamic ownership group of Chris Lencheski and Eric Galler," stated Riggs. "Quad Cities is an outstanding hockey market with a rich hockey tradition. There is a tremendous level of excitement surrounding our launch, as we look forward to providing our fan base, the youth hockey community and our corporate partners with a sports entertainment experience that is unparalleled in its appeal and entertainment value. We have a great deal of work to do, but I am eager to get started."

Mr. Riggs has more than 20 years of experience as a hockey executive and most recently served as commissioner of the Eastern Professional Hockey League. He served as the original general manager of the Memphis RiverKings of the Central Hockey League (CHL), a position he held for ten years. During his time in Memphis, the RiverKings qualified for the playoffs in seven of the ten seasons, relocated into a $40 million dollar facility, captured two regular season championships, won the 2001-2002 CHL League Championship, and were twice named the area's "most popular team."

The RiverKings were also in the forefront in the areas of marketing and promotions. The team was the first in all of professional hockey to introduce "human bowling" as an on-ice event and Riggs was instrumental in bringing together the "Hanson Brothers" from the movie "Slapshot". The RiverKings also had the very first sellout in the revived CHL and all of the team's attendance and revenue records were set while he managed the team.

Riggs' professional hockey experience also includes working in the American Hockey League as the assistant general manager and vice president of communications for the Baltimore Skipjacks (then Washington Capitals affiliate). Riggs started his hockey career with the Carolina Thunderbirds as marketing and media relations director in the original Atlantic Coast Hockey League, remaining with the team for the birth of the ECHL.

Additionally, Mr. Riggs held the position of Director of Business Development for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Football Classic in 2006 and 2007, where he was involved in all areas of the sales and marketing campaign, including, corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, and sponsorship fulfillment. The 2006 bowl game drew 56,103 fans, which was the seventh largest crowd in the 48 year history of the Bowl. The game was also the highest rated of the three games broadcast on ESPN on December 29th.

Riggs' league management experience also includes serving as the commissioner of both the Atlantic Coast Hockey League and South East Hockey League (the forerunners of the present Southern Professional Hockey League). In addition, Riggs was the first Media Relations Director for the East Coast Hockey League.

Mr. Riggs is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and is a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University.

For more information on the Quad City Mallards, fans should visit www.myQCMallards.com. If you make a $25.00 deposit on season tickets you will receive priority status for seat selection. To make a deposit visit www.supportqchockey.com or visit the i wireless Center Box Office.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from July 8, 2009


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.

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