Texas Wildcatters Unable to Play Due to Hurricane Rita
October 6, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The ECHL announced Thursday that the Board of Governors unanimously approved a Voluntary Suspension request from the Texas Wildcatters for 2005-06 under the league's hardship provisions as a result of the devastation of Hurricane Rita.
The Wildcatters reported to the Board that they were notified on Thursday that the Ford Arena will not be available to the team for 2005-06 due to the continuing recovery efforts. The ECHL team is located in Beaumont, Texas, which suffered a direct hit from Hurricane Rita.
The Wildcatters informed the Board that the team plans to return for 2006-07 and that it will reopen its offices as soon as possible.
"While the ECHL is extremely disappointed with this announcement, we fully understand the devastation that has been caused by Hurricane Rita and the important function that Ford Park provides in the continuing recovery efforts," said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. "On behalf of all of our member teams, our best wishes go out to the Wildcatters players, staff and fans and all citizens of the Gulf Coast and Southeast Texas as they deal with this extremely difficult situation."
The ECHL will release a revised playing schedule for 2005-06 on Friday. The Condors were scheduled to travel to Beaumont the first week of December, the same week they were scheduled to play Mississippi who was also granted a one-year suspension last month due to Hurricane Katrina.
"We are saddened by the temporary loss of two great competitors," said Condors President Matthew Riley. "With all the league members & fans helping them rebuild, we look forward to playing them next season."
Condors Open House and Family Day will take place at the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center this Sunday, October 9th from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Admission is free with the donation of two canned food items for the Salvation Army Food Pantry. Fans are welcome to skate with the team from 2:00 - 3:00pm. Fans can bring their own skates or rent them at the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center for $3
The Bakersfield Condors season opens in 16 days on October 22nd at home against the Victoria Salmon Kings.
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ECHL Stories from October 6, 2005
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