Martino resigns, Dunn promoted as Scorpions shuffle front office

Published on March 27, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – As the off-season inched through its first week, the New Mexico Scorpions have already begun to plan for next season. A better show is in the works for next year with several improvements forth coming. New ticket packages are being formulated, and the Scorpions will have a plan for everybody. In the midst of all the planning though, a wrinkle was thrown in this morning.

Scorpions head coach Tony Martino resigned Wednesday morning, citing family reasons for his exit, but will stay on board in a consulting capacity for an unspecified amount of time. Martino had been the head coach of the Scorpions since the 1999-2000 season where he guided New Mexico to the finals of the Western Professional Hockey League, capturing the Western Division and Western Conference championships along the way. Martino has complied a 123-66-13 record in his three seasons behind the bench with a .632 career winning percentage. Prior to becoming head coach, Martino donned the goalie pads for the Scorpions from 1996-1998 compiling a 54-25-6 record between the pipes.

"This was a very tough decision for me", said Tony Martino. "I've got a one year old and another due in July. I want to spend time with them. My wife has a great job and works full time. This is a chance for me to be with my family and I thank Doug (Frank) for allowing me this opportunity. I will still be very much a part of this organization, which is something that I have a passion for."

"My discussions with Tony are personal and private", said Scorpions Owner Doug Frank. "I believe coach Martino recruited and assembled one of the finest hockey teams to play at this level. I have had a friendship with Tony since I began to look at this team last year. My sincere hope is that his future will be rewarding and successful. We'll work now to move on to the next chapter. I feel that we have built a solid base for next year with our talent, and we intend to field a championship hockey team next season."

In the meantime, the Scorpions have promoted General Manager Pat Dunn to Vice President of hockey operations, which includes the head coaching position. Dunn filled in for Martino during three games in February posting a 3-0-0 record. This will be Dunn's first head coaching job. Dunn had an outstanding playing career, which featured a spot in the 1992 Albertville Olympic games with team France. Dunn's playing career in the states began in the 1996-1997 season with the New Mexico Scorpions. He scored 25 goals to go along with 35 assists for 58 points in 51 games for New Mexico. From there, Dunn made stops in Utah of the IHL, Tucson of the WCHL, and Bossier-Shreveport of the WPHL before hanging up the skates in 1999. For the 1999-2000 season, Pat was named Assistant Coach and Director of Arena Operations for the Corpus Christi IceRays of the Western Professional Hockey League. In 2000-2001 Dunn was named Director of Ticket Sales before becoming General Manager of the New Mexico Scorpions for the 2001-2002 season.

"I've got big shoes to fill", said new Scorpions head coach Pat Dunn. "I'm very excited to have the opportunity to coach. The situation is not perfect for my debut, but I'm ready for the challenge. Coaching is a tough job. A lot of people have had to follow great coaches...I just hope everything works out best for both parties, but again, I'm very excited."

In another move Wednesday, the Scorpions hired Dan Burgers (bur-gess) to the position of Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer for the 2002-2003 season. Burgers comes to the Scorpions from the Fort Worth Brahmas where he spent the past three seasons as Assistant General Manager in charge of operations and financial matters. Burgers was named Western Professional Hockey League co-executive of the year in the 2000-2001 season, and secured the 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 WPHL most improved franchise award. While in Fort Worth Burgers was responsible for an 800 percent increase in corporate sales revenue in two years, as well as a 200 percent increase in ticket sales. He was instrumental in renegotiating the lease with the city of Fort Worth and an integral part of ousting the Fort Worth Fire of the original Central Hockey League. Prior to joining the Brahmas, Burgers was a financial and operational auditor for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League during the 1996 thru 1998 seasons. Burgers will oversee the front office and business portions of the team.

"I'm exited to join a team like the Scorpions with Doug Frank at the helm", said Dan Burgers. "Albuquerque has a lot of potential, and I can't wait to become a vital part of this community. I am looking forward to new and exiting things with New Mexico."

Burgers will join the team in his new position on April 15th, 2002.

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