Search

ARCHIVES
CONTACT US
WORLD NEWS

Icecats start off with new general manager

At the beginning of the new millennium, the University of Arizona club hockey team, the Icecats, will start with high expectations and a new general manager to boot.

In the off-season, the Icecats Board of Directors named local businessman Rod Eliot the general manager for the Icecats. Eliot, current owner of Northwest Exterminators, has been involved with the Icecats for the following three seasons.

Eliot will continue to serve on the Board of Directors for the Icecats. He is currently in the process of selling his business, Northwest Exterminating, which should be completed in the following two weeks.

The newest member of the Icecats staff said he is hoping to bring some new excitement to Icecats hockey.

"With the new millennium, we are looking forward for a lot of new and fun things at games," Eliot said. "Everyone is encouraged to come out and play some broom ball at half-time."

The new general manager has already had an effect on the relations with the UA. The Icecats, as a club team, do not receive funding from the athletic department. But unlike previous seasons, Icecats fans can now look forward to picking up Icecats merchandise in UA stores.

"We now are more closely associated with the UA, which should make Icecats merchandise more readily available to fans," Eliot said.

Many who have been involved in the Icecats organization said hiring Eliot has begun to pay off.

"Rod was selected because of his business experience and his Icecats involvement," Icecats spokesman Timothy Gassen said. "He has already made a big impact with relations with the UA."

Eliot has served over 27 years in the Tucson business community.

Fans who have previously attended Icecats games can look forward to some changes in the program. Eliot plans on using new music and new promotions, while also making the overall experience more fan friendly.

"We should be one of the top collegiate hockey teams in the nation this season," Eliot said. "We are making changes all around to make this a fun year."

Last season, the Icecats averaged just over 4,000 fans for home games, which were held at the Tucson Convention Center.

The team is coming off of a fifth place finish at nationals and is returning its entire first line and starting goalies.