Outlaws Honoring North Iowa's Hockey Past during Robertson Cup
April 17, 2009 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
North Iowa Outlaws News Release
Mason City (IA) The upcoming USA Junior A National Tournament taking place at the North Iowa Ice Arena April 28-May 3 will in many ways serve as the coronation of Mason City's rise in legitimacy as a hockey market. One of, if not the, smallest markets during its stay in first the United States Hockey League and now the North American Hockey League, the entire region has produced its fair share of memorable teams and hockey moments.
To pay homage to all those who have helped make hockey, at all levels, a success in Mason City, the North Iowa Outlaws are proud to announce their plans to honor the history of hockey in the community during the 2009 Robertson Cup which will be played at the North Iowa Ice Arena April 28th - May 3rd. Throughout the week-long event, the Outlaws will be displaying numerous artifacts and memorabilia from the former North Iowa Huskies franchise, which played in the USHL from 1983-1999. These mementos were donated by dozens of area fans and will be available for viewing throughout all the games.
"We began asking for items in the fall and they flooded in" noted Outlaws' spokesperson Scott Montesano. "I think the public will like the items we will be able to put on display.
The celebration will be highlighted by the main event on Friday May 1st during the Outlaws' 7:30pm game that evening. During the first intermission of that game, the Outlaws will be welcoming many special guests who represent Mason City Youth Hockey and the former North Iowa Huskies including past presidents, officials, players and coaches. At the end of the ceremony, the Outlaws will then be raising to the rafters the 1989 Junior A National Championship banner which was won by the Huskies.
"Bob Motzko, who was the head coach of that team and has had the banner ever since, has been kind enough to send the banner to us. He was very excited to do it" said Montesano. "I can't confirm whether he'll be in attendance that night or not, but we have our fingers crossed."
The tournament will feature each of the NAHL's four division winners, plus the host Outlaws, in a round-robin format. The top two teams after round robin play will square off in the national championship game on Sunday May 3rd with the winner receiving the Robertson Cup. The Outlaws will play at 7:30pm on April 28th and 29th as well as May 1st and May 2nd.
A complete tournament schedule will be released once the various division finals series are concluded.
The North Iowa Outlaws Hockey Club is in its fourth season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 33nd year of operation. For more information, visit northiowaoutlaws.com or call (641) 424-5468.
Outlaws home games are played at the North Iowa Ice Arena in Mason City, IA. All games will be broadcasted on northiowaoutlaws.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.
North American Hockey League Stories from April 17, 2009
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- Phantoms Wrest Home Ice Advantage with Split at USA - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- U.S. Nat'l U17 Team Drops Mahoning Valley, 6-4, in Game 2 - U.S. National Team
- Bobcats' Wickman Wins Academic Achievement - Bismarck Bobcats
- Outlaws Honoring North Iowa's Hockey Past during Robertson Cup - North Iowa Outlaws
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