Phoenix Roadrunners To Debut at U·S Airways Center in October in ECHL
NHL Legend Claude Lemieux to Lead New Team as President
Fans Can Secure Their Place Next Season by Calling 602-462-GOAL

PHOENIX - The investment group that owns and operates the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Rattlers and Phoenix Mercury, and operates U·S Airways Center, has purchased the rights to a franchise in the ECHL to begin play at U·S Airways Center in October, 2005, as announced by Suns Chairman and CEO Jerry Colangelo, and Vice Chairman and Managing Partner, Robert Sarver, at a news conference at U·S Airways Center.

The team will be known as the Phoenix Roadrunners, a name with great historical significance in minor league hockey in the Valley. The Roadrunners' name was used by franchises in the Western Hockey League, World Hockey Association, Central Hockey League, Pacific Hockey League and International Hockey League from 1967 through 1997.

"Throughout my career in Phoenix, I have always believed in doing whatever is necessary to provide the people of our community with the best sports entertainment possible at the most affordable prices," said Colangelo. "Today is a great day for all hockey fans as we welcome hockey back to Downtown Phoenix."

Colangelo and Sarver introduced the Roadrunners new president, former NHL star Claude Lemieux. Over a 20-year career, Lemieux earned a reputation as one of the best playoff performers in NHL history. He was part of four Stanley Cup-winning teams, and earned the Conn Smythe trophy as the Outstanding Player of the 1995 playoffs while a member of the cup-winning New Jersey Devils. He scored 785 points (379 goals, 406 assists) in 1,197 regular season games, and 157 points (80 goals, 77 assists) in 233 postseason contests.

"We're committed to making this a success," commented Sarver. "By bringing in a person of Claude's experience and reputation, we are making a big statement about the type of hockey operation we intend to run."

"The ECHL brand of hockey is exciting, fast-paced, fun and affordable," said Lemieux, "and that's exactly what you will see when the Roadrunners take the ice in October."

Lyle Abraham, who owned the Phoenix Roadrunners from 1989 until 1997 attended today's announcement. "There's a great history with Roadrunners hockey in Phoenix, and I'm happy to be a part of bringing that name back to the next chapter of hockey here," commented Abraham.

The East Coast Hockey League is considered the premier "AA" league in the world, and works with both the AAA-level leagues and the NHL in player development. Since its inception in 1988, the ECHL has operated without a single interruption, producing 256 players who have appeared in NHL uniforms. The Phoenix team will be one of 28 teams operating in the ECHL, with a league map that stretches from Alaska to Florida. Teams play a 72-game regular season, and U·S Airways Center will host 36 games next season.

"We are proud to welcome Phoenix to the ECHL," said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. "Their strong ownership group, vast experience and success in the sports business, and a first-class facility make this an extremely positive addition to our league."

The Roadrunners will play in the National Conference West Division with teams in Alaska, Bakersfield, Fresno, Idaho, Las Vegas, Long Beach, San Diego and Victoria, British Columbia.

Fans who want to receive information on the team and on purchasing tickets are invited to call 602-462-GOAL.

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