Tampa Bay Lightning Purchases Minority Interest In Johnstown Chiefs
June 9, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release
Johnstown, PA (June 9, 2005) â Johnstown Chiefs President Jim Weber announced at a press conference Monday afternoon, that he has sold part of his interest in the team to the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning. Weber will continue to manage the day to day business operations of the team, while the Lightning will control the on-ice and day to day hockey operation.
"Our goal is to succeed on and off the ice. When you have the Tampa Bay Lightning as part of this group, they will give us some tools that we need to win and prosper financially," Weber said. "I am very excited about this partnership."
The Lightning will be in charge of placing and developing several players in Johnstown. The Springfield Falcons will remain as the Chiefs AHL affiliate. The Chiefs are now one of three ECHL teams that are partially owned by NHL teams (Florida, Reading).
"We are extremely happy to increase our involvement with the storied Johnstown Chiefs organization," Lightning Executive Vice President & General Manager Jay Feaster said. "This opportunity provides us with complete control of hockey operations in Johnstown and gives us the first fully integrated minor league developmental situation in franchise history.
"We believe that coming out of the NHL lockout and maneuvering in the new economic world, player development will be absolutely critical and we now have our own coaches and systems we can put in place at both the AAA [American Hockey League] and AA [ECHL] levels."
Season ticket and corporate sponsor packages for the 2005-2006 season are now available by calling (814) 539-1799 or 1-800-CHF-TIXX.
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from June 9, 2005
- Falcons Submit Season-Ending Roster - Fresno Falcons
- Condors Have Best Website, Ticket Staff - Bakersfield Condors
- Charlotte Checkers release season-ending roster - Charlotte Checkers
- Grrrowl featured on CMT's "Home Blitz" Friday night - Greenville Grrrowl
- Gulls announce season-ending roster - San Diego Gulls
- ECHL Announces Season-Ending Rosters - ECHL
- Bakersfield Chosen ECHL Web Site Of The Year - ECHL
- Sea Wolves Announce Season-Ending Roster - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Storm Complete Future Consideration Deals - Toledo Walleye
- 'Blades Release Season Ending Protected List - Florida Everblades
- Zager Receives ECHL Media Relations Award - San Diego Gulls
- San Diego s Zager Receives ECHL Media Relations Award - ECHL
- Dagenais Dealt to Toledo - Atlanta Gladiators
- Tampa Bay Lightning Purchases Minority Interest In Johnstown Chiefs - Johnstown Chiefs
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.
Other Recent Johnstown Chiefs Stories
- Chiefs Host Ziggy's Fundraiser
- Jersey Auction Wrap Up
- Chiefs' Final Game Jersesys Available Online
- Weekly Arrowhead: End Of Season Report
- Chiefs fall in finale
