Scorpions Making Changes to Survive and Thrive

Published on January 9, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


[RIO RANCHO, N.M.]- The New Mexico Scorpions Professional Hockey team is not immune to the current economic challenges that exist for small businesses. In an effort to survive the current season the organization has had to make some very difficult business decision, focusing on those items essential to the business while eliminating those deemed non essential. This year to franchise will once again loss money. The organization will be restructuring its entire business model to ensure the survival of the season.

Over the past three years, the ownership group has lost over $1,000,000 due to a lack of support. While they have committed to keep the business in operation, this year has proved to be especially challenging.

"It is very important we focus on our fans and corporate partners during this tough time and still provide a good product on and off the ice," said Gary Gelinas, Scorpions President. "Focusing on the fans and having a grass roots sales effort will be the key to getting more people at our games for the remainder of the season."

Most recently, the organization made a difficult decision to terminate the broadcast partnership with Citadel Broadcasting. The team cannot afford the financial commitment that was required to Citadel as the organization goal is to keep an office staff and on ice team operating. Citadel Broadcasting, including our flagship home 610 The Sports Animal, has been a very solid partner to the Scorpions and it is very unfortunate that this decision had to be made.

The current ownerships goal is to continue this current season while looking to bring on local investors. It is critical that the team is owned locally to ensure the corporate community steps up to support the team and facility and to help promote the team to the community. This will be a key to the survival of hockey in New Mexico.

"The ownership group is committed to taking the steps to keep hockey in New Mexico," said Dave Ellett, Scorpions Owner.

The organization is still in operation and will be playing its games as scheduled and asks that fans continue to show support, purchase tickets and spread the word of the great building. The corporate community continues to support the organization as that is necessary for both the Santa Ana Star Center and the Scorpions.

The team will have some of the largest crowds of the season for the upcoming games. On January 24th, American Cancer Society Night jersey auction the annual "Kids Day" game will attract over 5,000 students, Salute to the Badges jersey auction game on February 7th and UNM Lobo jersey night against great rivals as we push towards the playoffs.

Tonight, the Scorpions will play the Rocky Mountain Rage at 7:05 p.m. Saturday night and Sunday afternoon New Mexico visits their long time rivals in Amarillo. All games can be seen exclusively on CHL Network free of charge.

The Scorpions return home on Wednesday, January 21st to face Odessa on $1 Nacho Night. American Cancer Night comes up on Saturday, January 24th. Special jerseys will be worn with a post game auction to benefit the Relay for Life. Both games start at 7:15 p.m.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2009


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