Two IceHogs Executives Accept Expanded Roles
Published on August 2, 2002 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs, proud members of the United Hockey League, announced Friday that Ryan Washatka and Brian Hayes have accepted new roles with the club. Washatka, entering his third season with the team, will serve as the IceHogs general manager for the fast approaching 2002-03 season. Brian Hayes, who has been with the IceHogs since the team first began operations in 1998, will serve as assistant general manager. Dr. Eric Margenau, president of United Sports Ventures and majority owner of the Rockford IceHogs, attended Friday's announcement at the IceHogs corporate office in downtown Rockford.
"We're excited to make this announcement," said Margenau. "We feel that this decision gives or franchise the best chance for success. Ryan and Brian have not only earned this opportunity, they've also been trained exceedingly well by Kevin Cummings. Their elevation to these positions gives our franchise a great future."
Washatka replaces Kevin Cummings as the IceHogs top executive. The 26-year-old, who has held assistant general manager duties since September of 2000, will oversee the day to day business operations of the club.
"I'm very excited to have been given the opportunity to lead the team as we prepare for our fourth season in Rockford," said Washatka. "I'm looking forward to working closer with Dr. Margenau and head coach Scott Bell, and I'm confident that the staff we have in place will continue to make the IceHogs a prominent fixture in Rockford. We've had tremendous support from the community and our fans in each of our first three years, and we look forward to bringing them another fun-filled, action-packed season of IceHogs hockey."
Washatka, a native of Topeka, Kansas and a graduate in sports management from the University of Kansas, began his professional sports career with the Topeka ScareCrows of the Central Hockey League. After starting as an intern, he was promoted quickly through the organization, and was named assistant general manager of the club prior to the 1999-00 season.
Hayes ascends into the assistant general manager slot. The IceHogs first ever employee was hired by the club as a sales executive in December of 1998, and promoted to business manager in January of 1999. The native of Burke, Virginia began his professional sports career in the Southern League with the Mobile BayBears after graduating from the University of South Alabama with a sport and event marketing degree in 1996. The 29-year-old began his stint in Mobile as an intern, then was named stadium operations manager a year later.
Season ticket packages for the 2002-03 IceHogs are now available, starting at just $98. Contact the IceHogs office at (815) 986-6465 for more details. Season ticket information can also be found at www.icehogs.com. The IceHogs begin the 2002-03 season, their fourth in the UHL, when they host the Fort Wayne Komets at the Rockford MetroCentre on Fri., Oct. 11.
American Hockey League Stories from August 2, 2002
- The Icemen Returneth - Norfolk Admirals
- Two IceHogs Executives Accept Expanded Roles - Rockford IceHogs
- Bell Nabs Nicklin - Rockford IceHogs
- P-Bruins announce 2002-03 schedule - Providence Bruins
- Cleveland Barons Announce 2002-2003 Schedule - Cleveland Barons
- Pirates Release 2002-2003 Schedule - Portland Pirates
- Wolf Pack to Host Chamber of Commerce Event - Connecticut Whale
- Flames Sign Three to Contracts - Saint John Flames
- Rivermen Sign Brooks and Booth - Peoria Rivermen
- 2002-2003 Monarchs Regular Season Schedule Announced - Manchester Monarchs
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.
