NAHL expands to Kenai Peninsula
February 27, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL) News Release
FRISCO, TEXAS - The North American Hockey League announced today that its Board of Governors has approved the membership application of the Kenai River Brown Bears. The team, which will make its home in Soldotna, Alaska, will commence play in the 2007-08 season.
"We are excited to welcome the Kenai River organization to the North American Hockey League family," said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. "As our league continues to develop a rich tradition in Alaska, the Brown Bears will be a tremendous asset as it relates to our ultimate goal of developing student-athletes in a first-class, fan-friendly environment."
The Brown Bears will play their home games out of the Soldotna Sports Center.
"We are thrilled to forge a long-term relationship with the City of Soldotna and the Soldotna Sports Center," said Barry Schoenly, founder and president of the Brown Bears. "We plan to work very hard to create a real love affair between the people in the Kenai Peninsula and the Brown Bears hockey organization."
"We are ecstatic to have Mr. Schoenly and his new NAHL team as an anchor tenant in our Soldotna Sports Center," said Andrew Carmichael, Soldotna parks and recreation director. "The team should bring a lot of hometown pride and spirit to our community, as well as provide a great entertainment value for residents of all ages."
Schoenly was instrumental in the development of the NAHL's Alaska Avalanche organization and is a longtime Soldotna resident and successful land developer in Alaska.
"Every effort will be made to support and expand existing youth hockey programs in Soldotna and the entire Kenai Peninsula," Schoenly said. With the addition of Kenai River, the NAHL now boasts 18 teams. The Brown Bears are the third based out of Alaska, joining the Avalanche (Wasilla) and the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
"The Kenai River team will be a welcome addition to our league and will create a very competitive rivalry for the fans in Alaska," said Ice Dogs president Jack Tragis, whose team will host this year's NAHL Robertson Cup national championship in May.
"In addition to the excitement of expanding Junior A hockey in Alaska and providing a tremendous entertainment package, the Kenai River Brown Bears look forward to supporting the Scott Gomez Foundation, as well as all youth hockey programs in Alaska," Schoenly added.
For more information on the Brown Bears organization, contact Barry Schoenly by phone (907-376- 7830) or e-mail (barryschoenly@aol.com).
North American Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2007
- U.S. Nat'l Under-18 Team Plays Final Two NCAA Contests of the Season - U.S. National Team
- Bobcat Happenings - Bismarck Bobcats
- NAHL expands to Kenai Peninsula - NAHL
- IceDiggers return home to host USA U-17 team - Alpena IceDiggers
- NTDP cruises to sweep - NAHL
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