|
|
 |
||||||
 |
On Thin Ice City benefits from hockey team By KATHIE
GREER The benefits of an ice hockey team in Amarillo go beyond the excitement of fast-moving pucks and occasional flying fists.
This year's Amarillo Gorillas team is young, and although they haven't notched a lot of wins, they've played several close games. A hockey team also brings economic benefits to the community, according to Civic Center Manager Kris Miller. "We have ice at the civic center for six months of the year," he said. "During that time we have visiting teams coming to town, staying in our hotels and eating at our restaurants. That's not just the teams that play the Gorillas. It's also youth hockey teams, including their family members, who come in for tournaments. Fans come from other places in the league and from the surrounding towns." Miller also said having the hockey team in town adds people to his payroll. "There are 35 (home) games. We have more than 30 people working concessions on game nights, as well as additional people in the box office. There are usually about six technicians assigned to the hockey team throughout the season." The public also gets to enjoy the ice. According to Alie Kordof, Gorillas director of community relations and current Central Hockey League employee of the month, public skating has generated record revenues this year. The ice is usually open for the fans to enjoy after each game. And the best part is that it only costs $5. Other public skating opportunities are posted in The Amarillo Independent's weekly calendar. But what about the finer aspects of ice skating? Thanks to Svetlana Petrey and a group of local coaches, the Amarillo Figure Skating School continues to add students. About 30 students participated in the program from October through December. Exciting action, family fun, opportunities to learn, economic benefits and professional sports all slide together at the civic center's ice rink. E-mail
comments about this story Posted: January 31, 2008
|
|
