ACHL Announces 2002-03 Lineup August 14, 2002

ACHL Press Release

Atlantic Coast Hockey League President, William Coffey, today announced the final lineup of teams for the ACHL's 2002-03 inaugural season. Six teams will begin play on the weekend of October 17, 18 & 19 with the season running through March 20th. Each team will play a total of 60 games (30 home & 30 away) with the ACHL playoffs to follow (format still to be determined).

The "original six" ACHL teams are:

Cape Fear Fire Antz (Fayetteville,NC)
Shawn Ulrich, Head Coach
(ph) 910-321-0123

Jacksonville Barracudas (Jacksonville, Florida)
Kurt Wickenheiser, Head Coach
(ph) 904-367-1423

Knoxville Ice Bears (Knoxville, TN)
Tony Martino, Head Coach
(ph) 865-521-9991

Macon Trax (Macon, GA)
Head Coach, TBA
(ph) TBA

Orlando Seals (Orlando, Florida
Stan Drulia, Head Coach
(ph) 407-999-7887

St. Pete Parrots, (St. Petersburg, Florida)
Head Coach, TBA
(ph) 727-898-7825

"After many months of negotiations, it's a relief to have the lineup set," Coffey said. "All six teams have solid staffs in place and are in the pre-season mode of selling both season tickets and corporate partnerships. We think we have six terrific markets which gives us a solid base for the Atlantic Coast Hockey League to build on in years to come."

The ACHL's inaugural starting lineup does not include Tallahassee, Florida which had been originally hoped for. A lack of quality playing dates, very limited practice time available, and the possibility no Zamboni were among the problems that developed in recent weeks.

"We want to thank the hockey fans of Tallahassee for their early ticket sales support," said Coffey. "Lack of support certainly wasn't the reason Tallahassee will not be operating this season. It simply came down to a lack of playing and practice time. It's a busy arena that probably doesn't need professional hockey at this time."

All season ticket deposits will be refunded in full.

Letters, with refunds, are in the process of being sent out.

Any season ticket holders with questions can call the Atlantic Coast Hockey League office @ 910-575-6580 or e-mail : achl@atmc.net

The 2002-03 Atlantic Coast Hockey League schedule should be released by the end of this week.