"Winston-Salem, NC - A press conference was held this afternoon at the Annex at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds to update the public and local media outlets on several key updates regarding the burgeoning Federal Hockey League (FHL) franchise, the highlights of which were unveiling the name, logo and ownership of Winston-Salem’s newest hockey team.
The Carolina Thunderbirds were reintroduced to the general public and the Triad Area local media outlets. The new logo was also introduced featuring a bird with wings spread holding a hockey stick. Fans will get the opportunity to choose the teams colors on the official team website at www.carolinathunderbirds.com.
The Carolina Thunderbirds will be owned and operated by long time FHL franchise owner Barry Soskin. Barry has been involved as an owner of various teams in the past 25 years such as the two time champion Toledo Storm of the East Coast Hockey League, Nashville Nighthawks of the Central Hockey League, Waterloo Blackhawks of the United States Hockey League, Traverse City Enforcers of the Continental Junior Hockey League and the Pelham Prowlers of the Southeast Hockey League. Currently owner of the Danville Dashers and Port Huron Prowlers of the FHL, Barry brings several years of successful minor league hockey operations to North Carolina.
Staff expansion also included the naming of the first member of the Carolina Thunderbirds' Front Office. Scott Brand, the President and General Manager for the club, was introduced at Wednesday's conference. Scott has been in hockey as a player, on-ice official, general manager and vice president for 45 years. After an amateur playing career, Brand spent eight seasons in professional hockey as an on-ice official in the United States Hockey League, International Hockey League and East Coast Hockey Leagues.
After leaving the ice he held the position of Vice-President and General Manager of the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League from 1992-96 where he guided the team to record setting crowds, corporate support and the building of a new arena. He also founded the Waterloo Bucks, the 1st expansion team of the Northwoods College Baseball League in 1995 and was named executive of the year.
In May of 1996-98 he was named the Vice-President of Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL, where he increased attendance for two seasons in a row. In 1998 and for the next 14 seasons he lead USA Hockey’s Officiating Development Program along with being the Director of Hockey Operations with the USHL. In 2008, Brand was awarded the USHL’s Distinguished Service Award and in 2012 he was inducted into the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame. In 2013 he was named Vice President of the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL). While in Youngstown, he set record crowds of 22 of their top 25 crowds in just two seasons.
The Thunderbirds also announced they will be hosting two regular season Federal Hockey League contest on Friday March 17that 7:30 PM and Saturday March 18th at 7:00 PM. The games will feature the Port Huron Prowlers vs. the Danville Dashers and the games will count in the 2016-17 regular season standings. All ticket prices in all locations will be just $10 for each game. Tickets for these games will go on sale in December with 2017-18 season ticket holders who sign up before the game receiving tickets to both games included with their purchase.
For more information about the Carolina Thunderbirds, visit the teams new website at www.carolinathunderbirds.com or follow them online at facebook.com/carolinatbirds, twitter.com/carolinatbirds and Instagram.com/carolinatbirds."
- A Press Release
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