New AHL team name is Iowa Chops
Published on July 9, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL) News Release
DES MOINES, IA - (July 9, 2008) - Team owner Schlegel Sports announced today the new name of Iowa's AHL hockey team, the "Iowa Chops". With announcements regarding new, lower ticket prices, a new president, and a new affiliate all occurring within weeks of each other this summer, representatives of Iowa's AHL hockey team decided the time was right to unveil the team's new name, logo and colors.
"We really feel this name perfectly represents our vision of the new team," says team owner Kirby Schlegel, CEO of Schlegel Sports. "It illustrates Iowa's agricultural heritage while also playing into the definition of âchops', having nerve, resilience and staying power. The word âchops' can mean continually defeating someone, and that is the reputation we expect Iowa's new team to gain in the league."
After numerous conversations with Iowans to get a feel for the culture and the passion within the state, the Iowa Chops was ultimately chosen by Schlegel Sports, as it represented the great state of Iowa.
"We wanted a name that would catch people's attention and spark discussion, not just in Iowa but nationally as well," says Steve Nitzel, Iowa Chops President. "There is no doubt the name is unique. We're confident that the team will continue to gain respect in this community and in the league for years to come."
The new logo depicts a vicious boar's head in the team colors of crimson, grey and black, and was designed to depict the tougher style of hockey coming to Iowa. Showcasing the team's proud Iowa roots, the secondary logo (located on the shoulders of players' jerseys) is an outline of the state of Iowa with a giant letter "I" in the center.
Schlegel Sports and Anaheim plan to announce who will coach the Iowa Chops later this summer. The team's home opening game is scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2008. To buy tickets for this season, call 515-564-8700 or visit the new web site at www.iowachops.com for more information.
American Hockey League Stories from July 9, 2008
- Nashville Signs Forward Josh Gratton - Milwaukee Admirals
- New AHL team name is Iowa Chops - AHL
- Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Head Coach Ken Hitchcock to a Three-Year Contract Extension - Syracuse Crunch
- Hurricanes Ink Chad LaRose to One-Year Deal - Albany River Rats
- Stewart Accepts Qualifying Offer - Rochester Americans
- Amerks to Open 53rd Season on October Tenth at BCA - Rochester Americans
- Phantoms Launch Language Lessons On Phantomshockey.com - Adirondack Phantoms
- Columbus Signs Defensemen Andrey Plekhanov and Clay Wilson and Left Wing John Vigilante - Syracuse Crunch
- Monsters Fans Can Mark Their Calendars Now - Cleveland Monsters
- Griffins Add Three to Staff - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Lightning Sign Unrestricted Free Agent Andrew Hutchinson - Norfolk Admirals
- Wolf Pack Ink Forward Jordan Owens - Connecticut Whale
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