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Mallards Named CHL's Most Improved Franchise, McNamara Tabbed as Executive of the Year

July 24, 2014 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Quad City Mallards News Release


CHANDLER, Ariz. (July 23, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards Wednesday night were named the Central Hockey League's Most Improved Franchise for 2013-14 while Mallards president Bob McNamara won the Brad Treliving Executive of the Year award and manager of ticket sales Zac Wilken was honored as the CHL Ticketing Executive of the Year at the league's nineteenth annual summer conference awards banquet.

"We're thrilled to win, especially considering the high quality organizations and executives throughout the Central Hockey League," said McNamara. "Now we look forward to continuing build on what we've achieved and making even more strides as we prepare for the 2014-15 season."

The Mallards enjoyed a landmark campaign in 2013-14. Last season saw Mallards attendance increase by better than 800 fans per game, while on the ice coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski piloted the club to its first semi-final appearance in 11 years.

McNamara is approaching his third season as the club's president. Before joining the Mallards, McNamara spent 15 seasons as general manager of the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins and one year as president and governor of the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs. During his time with the Bulldogs, McNamara oversaw the execution of the 2012 AHL Outdoor Classic at Ivor Wynne Football Stadium, a game that set a Canadian AHL attendance record of 20,565. During McNamara's tenure in Grand Rapids, the Griffins enjoyed success both on and off the ice, winning two regular season championships and five division titles and increasing attendance in four of his final five seasons.

Prior to making the move to Grand Rapids, McNamara acted as assistant general manager of the International Hockey League's Cleveland Lumberjacks for five years. His duties with the Lumberjacks ranged from sales to hockey operations to virtually every other area of the organization.

A native of Toronto, McNamara earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Notre Dame in 1983 after spending four seasons as the Fighting Irish hockey team's number one goaltender. Upon graduation, McNamara signed with the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres and spent three seasons with the Rochester Americans, the Sabres' AHL affiliate. In 1986, he moved on to the International Hockey League and the Milwaukee Admirals. McNamara tended goal for the Admirals for two seasons and served as a player/assistant coach in his second campaign with the club.

Wilken was honored by the league after just his first season overseeing the Mallards' ticket sales operations. The East Moline native was named the team's manager of ticket sales in May of 2013. He first joined the Flock in November of 2012.

Wilken received a master's degree in exercise and sports science from Concordia University Irvine after earning his bachelor's degree in physical education at Rockford College. Wilkin also played football as an undergrad, earning all-conference honors at safety. He went on to serve as an assistant football coach at Dekalb and United Township High Schools as well as at Rockford College. He has taught in the Belvedere and Rock Island County school districts.

2014-15 Mallards season tickets are now on sale. Ticket packages are available to meet almost any budget. A limited edition season ticket holder Mallard jersey, 12 additional ticket vouchers per seat and free parking are among a host of exclusive benefits available to season ticket holders. For more season ticket information fans can call the Mallards' business office at 309-277-1364.

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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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