AHL Peoria Rivermen

Ralph Rashid to Forever Adorn Fan Appreciation Night

Published on March 27, 2008 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release


Peoria, Ill. (March 27, 2008) - President/CEO Bart Rogers announced today that the late Ralph Rashid will forever be honored as Rivermen Fan Appreciation Night, traditionally the last game of the regular season, will now be known officially as Ralph Rashid Fan Appreciation Night from this day forward.

"We've put Ralph's name on Fan Appreciation Night for the last few seasons out of respect for all his long-tenured efforts, but we really wanted to give it permanence and let everyone know that it will always be his night," Rogers said. "It was an honor to work with Ralph for the last 10 years. He was one-of-a kind and will not soon be missed.

"He'll be looking down on us making sure everything is in place, and we'll all know how many days are left until the next one," Rogers added with a smile.

"We're awfully honored to have the Rivermen ownership and staff, and all the Rivermen fans think so highly of him," said Jerry Rashid, Ralph's nephew and Head Varsity Baseball Coach at Illinois Valley Central. "As a family, we're extremely proud of him and his accomplishments, and this will leave a lasting legacy from his impact on Peoria professional sports."

Ralph, known to everyone as "Uncle Ralph," was widely known for his signature and beloved Fan Appreciation Nights, which he orchestrated with both the Rivermen in the early 1980's and the Peoria Chiefs. Ralph, inducted in the Builders category of the Rivermen Hall of Fame in 2004, was a member of the Rivermen staff for 12 years and part of two championships. Ralph also had a long association with the Peoria Chiefs baseball team and was a part-owner for the last 14 years.

Over the last several years, Ralph Rashid Fan Appreciation Night has been presented by the UFS Downtown Outlet Center, as it will be again this season. The UFS Downtown Outlet Center was one of Ralph's longstanding accounts that he enjoyed calling on prior to each season.

Wingate by Wyndham presents Disney's High School Musical star Corbin Bleu, who will appear and sign autographs from 6-8:30 PM, on Saturday, April 5, when the Rivermen face off against the rival Chicago Wolves; fans are encouraged to arrive early. It is also Peoria Chiefs Night with the Rivermen, as the team will wear special Chiefs jerseys to be auctioned off after the game to benefit Children's Hospital of Illinois.

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American Hockey League Stories from March 27, 2008


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