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Tom Wheel added to ownership group

February 19, 2004 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Trax News Release


[Macon, Ga.]—The Macon Trax are pleased to announce that Byron, Ga. resident, Thomas Wheel has become a minority owner of the Macon Trax Hockey Club, Inc. In addition, Wheel will serve as the Vice President of the Trax organization.

Wheel is no stranger to Trax hockey. Over the past two seasons the retired Army Reserve Colonel has attended many Trax games at the Macon Centreplex, including having season tickets for the current season.

After a casual conversation with Trax General Manager Joe Suk and Head Coach Tommy Stewart, Wheel wanted to become more involved in the Middle Georgia hockey scene. Two weeks later Wheel purchased 10% of the Trax.

"I want to see the Trax here every year." Wheel said, "It is critical for local people to get more involved with the team, so I hope I am the first of many who will do the same."

Suk has been seeking local investors since the day he was hired to run the day-to-day operations in Macon. He feels this is just the start of more great things to come.

"This is hopefully just the first step in the long term success of the Trax." Suk said, "With Tom coming aboard it is just the start of what David Waronker talked about months ago, moving his ownership to locals."

In addition to Wheel's stake in the team, he will also be involved in some of the team's business operations. The Vermonter plans to be active in the local community representing the Trax around the fans and corporate partners.

This is the second happiest moment in Wheel's year. On New Year's Day the Red Wings fans married his long time love, Judith.

Fans will have a chance to ask the Trax new Managing Partner/VP questions two times in the coming week. Wheel will join Trax broadcaster Adam Minnick during both intermissions Friday, Feb. 20 when the Trax travel to Jacksonville. Also, Wheel will be the guest on Chuggin' With the Trax Monday, Feb. 23 from 6-7pm at the Applebee's Grill and Bar in Warner Robins.

TRANSCRIPT: TOM WHEEL'S PREPARED COMMENTS

Over the past four months, Judith and I have cheered, screamed, yelled, banged on the glass, and otherwise just plain enjoyed Macon Trax hockey. It's fun, entertaining, exciting. As I told the players Monday, they're downright addictive. Thus, it's a special thrill for me to become a Trax owner.

We have a very loyal fans and a superb group of corporate partners. Our General Manager Joe Suk and Coach Tommy Stewart are terrific. Our club's staff is hardworking. On and off the ice, the young men on our team are simply awesome. No one could be more proud of them.

I would like to thank Mr. David Waronker for stepping up to the challenge and keeping professional hockey in Macon. Without his vision, we would not be standing here today. And that illustrates my next point.

For hockey or any other sport to exist in a community, some people must be willing to support the team. Others must be willing to lead. This team deserves people from the local area who are willing to stand up and be counted. Willing to take the risk necessary to keep hockey here. Hopefully, I'm but the first and others will follow.

My goal is simple: the stability of Trax hockey next year, and the year after, and for many years to come. This is not a business investment for me; it is a commitment from the heart. There are many others who share this commitment and, if we work together, we can succeed.

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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.

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