Outlaws update
March 6, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
North Iowa Outlaws News Release
The final weeks of the season are fast approaching and the Outlaws are sitting pretty. With a month left to play, North Iowa needs 5 points to lock up the Central Division Regular Season Championship, and home ice advantage for the playoffs. This week they travel back to Springfield, IL for a rematch and revenge with the Springfield Jr Blues. Robby Moss should make his return to the net after suffering an injury last time the team was in Springfield, while Austin Maginnis posted a 2-3 record in his absences.
In addition to hockey games, there is alot to talk about and alot happening in the coming weeks at the North Iowa Ice Arena.
North Iowa Outlaws Hockey: Nothin' But a Good Time!
Outlaws to Host Robertson Cup in 2009
FRISCO, TEXAS - The North American Hockey League announced today that the North Iowa Outlaws have been selected to host the 2009 Robertson Cup National Championship Tournament, which will be held April 21-25, 2009 at the North Iowa Ice Arena in Mason City, Iowa. "We are excited to bring our league championship to the North Iowa community in 2009," said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. "The Outlaws organization has helped bring the NAHL to new heights, both on and off the ice, and we have no doubt they will host a first-class tournament."
"A lot of people have worked tirelessly to bring this tournament to the area," said Outlaws owner Mark Motz. "It's going to be a great event for the community and an opportunity for the league to showcase some of the best young players in the country in addition to helping promote and grow the sport of hockey in the North Iowa area." The four-team Robertson Cup Championship crowns the NAHL's playoff champion (USA Hockey's Tier II Junior A national champion). As the host team, the Outlaws will receive an automatic bid to the 2009 tournament.
The event will attract over 2,000 visitors, including fans, players, coaches, scouts and media over a four- day period. The economic impact to the North Iowa area generated from visitor spending is estimated at over $200,000. In addition, North Iowa residents will be provided the opportunity to attend the tournament, witnessing hockey at its best. "This will be a great event for the fans of hockey in the North Iowa area," said Outlaws GM Rick Wesp. "Not only will they be able to see and cheer on their own team, but they'll see the best teams the NAHL has to offer, and we all know North Iowa has the best and the loudest fans in the league."
Outlaws business manager Bob Thoms began inquiring about attracting the tournament to the area last September after the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau requested partners to submit new or existing sporting event ideas. Through the partnership of the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Cerro Gordo County, the North Iowa Sports Authority was created and submitted a grant application to help attract the Robertson Cup to North Iowa. A $50,000 Regional Sports Authority District Grant, provided by the State of Iowa through the Iowa Tourism Office, and a $25,000 cash match was secured in October. "This funding gave the North Iowa Outlaws organization the boost needed to seek the bid for the National Tournament," said Thoms.
The North Iowa Outlaws, North Iowa Sports Authority and specifically the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce have been working together extensively on this project because of the tremendous economic boost and national recognition it will bring to the North Iowa area," said Vicki Hensley, Chair of the North Iowa Sports Authority. "We are thrilled to be the host community." In addition to the Outlaws, the playoff series winners from the North, South and Central Divisions will receive the other three bids to the tournament. If the Outlaws win the 2009 Central Division playoffs, the runner up from the Central Division will receive the fourth bid.
Other Place to hold "Pack the House 2"
The Other Place in Clear Lake sponsored another Pack the House night on March 14th vs Southern Minnesota. If the Outlaws sell out (1200) and win, everyone will receive a free 9" pizza from the Other Place in Clear Lake. Redeem your pizza with your game ticket.
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Walters Named Player of the Week
North Iowa forward Shea Walters tallied a goal and four assists last weekend in the Outlaws' two-game split with Topeka. On Friday, the 19-year-old recorded three assists, including one on Reed Rushing's game-winning goal, in a 4-1 triumph. The next night, Bemidji State recruit from Hibbing, Minn., notched a goal and an assist as the Outlaws fell to the RoadRunners, 5-4. He was also a plus-1 for the weekend.
"Shea has been a solid go-to guy this season," said Outlaws coach Dave Boitz. "When we need to get something going, you can usually look to him for that jumpstart, and he did that both nights."
HONORABLE MENTION: Bismarck forward Nick Taurence and goaltender Jake Kremer; Fargo- Moorhead forward Marc Mihulka and defenseman Mark Johnson; Southern Minnesota goaltender Zach Hansen
Monster Energy Drink - Crown Point Builders Limited Edition Trading Card Series Released March 14
The North Iowa Outlaws will release their Limited Edition Trading Card Set, sponsored by Crown Point Builders & Monster Energy Drink. A limited number of sets were ordered and will be for sale at the Merchandise table on Friday, March 14. Don't miss your chance to own one of this Limited Edition Set.
Fan Appreciation Night - March 22 vs Fargo
Come out March 22 as the Outlaws honor you, the Fans, for your support during the season. The Outlaws take on the Fargo Moorhead Jets in the final game of the regular season and the Outlaws will have tons of prizes from our sponsors.
Prize include night stays at the Best Western, Gift Cards, La James College of Cosmetology packages, Prizes from the Minnesota Twins, and Washington Capitals among more.
REMINDERS
Flex Tickets can only be used during the regular season. Your last chance to use flex tickets are march 22. Play-off tickets will be available once the pairings are announced and dates are set.
Play-off T-shirts Available Soon
The North Iowa Outlaws are in the play-offs, clinching a spot a few weeks ago. The Outlaws Play-off t-shirts are on the way, and will be available soon. We will keep you posted once they arrive.
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North American Hockey League Stories from March 6, 2008
- Jundt to Join Walters at Bemidji State Next Fall - North Iowa Outlaws
- Bobcats name Byron Pool Head Coach - Bismarck Bobcats
- IceDiggers wrap up home schedule - Alpena IceDiggers
- Outlaws update - North Iowa Outlaws
- Phantoms Now Face the Rangers on Final Road Trip of the Season - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
