NAHL Board of Governors approves transfer of Santa Fe team to local ownership
July 27, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
Frisco, Texas -- The North American Hockey League Board of Governors has approved the sale of the Santa Fe Roadrunners membership to a local group which intends to operate the club as a non profit organization.
The vote came in a conference call and was unanimous.
The new group is comprised of Horace Calvert, Jody Calvert, Tom Ensign, Gil Frith, Andy Spingler, Patrick Quinn, and Dale Whittleton. All of the new owners except for Ensign are area residents. Ensign resides in Arizona.
They acquired the team from the previous ownership group which consisted of Rob Blake, Erick Carlgren, Nelson Emerson, Andy Murray, Glen Murray. Of that group, only Carlgren lives in the Santa Fe area. That group remains in NAHL ownership with the Southern Minnesota Express.
"We are very pleased that this new group has stepped forward an allowed the NAHL to maintain our presence in the Santa Fe market for the 2005-06 season," said NAHL commissioner Michael Santos. "We think the fact that this new ownership group is based in the Santa Fe area will mean good things going forward for the Roadrunners."
The ownership groups issued a statement saying, "We are very happy that the other owners have invited us to be a part of this exciting hockey league. We have worked very hard to keep Roadrunner Hockey in Santa Fe and look forward to some great hockey in New Mexico. Roadrunner Hockey is hockey with altitude!"
Last season, the Roadrunners relocated just prior to the start of the season from the Fort Worth area where they had operated as the Lone Star Cavalry in the 2003-04 season. In their first campaign in Santa Fe, the Roadrunners made the playoffs. One of their veteran defensemen, Bryan Plaszcz, was named to the NAHL first All-Star team and will be attending the University of Maine this fall. Another defenseman, Chris Berenguer, was named to the NAHL All-Rookie Team.
Further announcements regarding the Roadrunners management and coaching staff will be forthcoming.
Entering its 30th season, the NAHL is the oldest and largest Junior A hockey league in the United States. Its primary goal is to enhance the development of its players through top-quality coaching, extensive practice time and a rigorous game schedule. The league is committed to providing these developmental opportunities in conjunction with a commitment to academic support. The league's schedule and playoff schedule is largely designed around weekend travel to minimize educational conflicts.
North American Hockey League Stories from July 27, 2005
- NAHL Board of Governors approves transfer of Santa Fe team to local ownership - Topeka Pilots
- NAHL Board of Governors approves transfer of Blizzard ownership - Alexandria Blizzard
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