CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Memphis RiverKings recognized for excellence in game operations for second straight year

Published on June 7, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, MS – The Memphis RiverKings of the Central Hockey League fared well at the annual CHL Awards Banquet this past weekend, winning the award for Best Game Operations and finishing in the top three in voting in two other categories.

Presented annually to the Central Hockey League franchise which has consistently produced the most entertaining and well planned in-arena events during the course of the season, the Game Operations Award belongs to the Memphis RiverKings franchise for the second year in a row.

Game Operations Director Gene Szucs, who was also the director last season, says that he's incredibly pleased the league recognized the franchise for excellence in this realm for a second straight year.

"I think in game operations, we're the best minor league team out there," said Szucs. "I'm proud that our ownership is really behind the entertainment elements of our games, both financially and in spirit. They really get behind the show and give us the resources to put on a great spectacle for the fans."

Szucs said that the award showed the franchise's commitment to the fans.

"We know that we're all about sports entertainment," said Szucs. "To be able to take this home again really drives home the fact that we've got a great staff and that we're doing a great job for the fans."

Gary Saunders, Vice-President of Sales and Business Operations for the RiverKings, said he was extremely pleased with the recognition of the franchise at the meetings.

"This only reinforces my feeling that we are pointed in the right direction, and I am very proud of our staff's accomplishments," said Saunders. "We would have loved to have won in all three categories, but just being nominated proves that our gains are now being recognized at the CHL office in Phoenix.

"Our staff can't control the outcome of the games, yet we can always guarantee our fans first class entertainment value in a clean, safe, family-oriented setting – and that's not easy to find these days."

In addition to the category of Game Operations, the RiverKings were also finalists in the categories of Best Marketing Plan and Most Improved Franchise.

The Central Hockey League Awards Banquet serves as a grand finale to the CHL Summer Meetings held annually in Phoenix, AZ. In addition to the awards presented to the league's member teams, the meetings included planning conferences, seminars, and idea-sharing between franchises.

The 2004-05 RiverKings roster will include a mix of key RiverKings from the past two seasons, as well as some new faces. Team captain Don Parsons, assistant captain Derek Landmesser, veteran center Alexandre Mathieu, physical forward Riley Cote, and young defenseman Jeremy Goetzinger have already agreed to terms with Memphis for the 2004-05 campaign, as have former New Mexico Scorpions defenseman Jeff Cameron, Canadian goaltender David Lemanowicz, and high-scoring forward Allan Carr.

The RiverKings will take to the ice once again in late October for the 2004-05 season, as the team looks to earn a playoff berth for the fourth time in the last five years. Information on the RiverKings, including the latest roster moves, press releases, and pictures, is available at www.riverkings.com. All RiverKings games this season will be broadcast throughout the Mid-South on Sports56 WHBQ.

Season tickets for the 2004-05 season are now available for purchase and renewal. For more information, contact the RiverKings at (662) 342-1755.

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Central Hockey League Stories from June 7, 2004


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