Thursday, April 19, 2012

RoughRiders and Oilers Announce Partnership in Player Development and Support

Press Release

Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Jeff Jauch, President and CEO, of the USHL Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and the RoughRiders Hockey Club announced today a partnership with the Connecticut Oilers of the EJHL, EJHL U-16 and the EmpireJHL.

“Our management and coaching staffs met numerous times during this season to discuss synergies that might exist between our organizations and to share thoughts pertaining to player development. The talks were very informative, and the idea of having a partner in the Eastern United States that shared our developmental philosophy was attractive on several fronts, “ said Jauch.

“We were impressed with Oilers’ energy and their vision, and with the coaching and management staff they had assembled. Both organizations can benefit from the exchange of ideas, strategies, and player information, which we are hoping will translate into future opportunities for players within the scope of the partnership.” said Jauch.

The announcement comes on the eve of the Oilers’ first official EJHL tryout camp this weekend in Norwalk, Connecticut.

“As a new Junior Hockey organization, we knew we would face challenges related to player acquisition and recruiting in our inaugural season. Being proactive in this regard, we reached out to our existing contacts, and those with similar experiences. We imparted our plans for the upcoming season to the RoughRiders organization and the dialogue continued to what is now the beginning of what we believe will be a beneficial relationship for both organizations”, said Stephan Seeger, Oilers General Manager.

“The dialog that opened was extremely comfortable, and on the issue of player development, it was clear that we shared similar views, as well as an organizational philosophy dedicated to player advancement, skill development, and educational opportunities. At the end of the day, Junior Hockey is truly developmental, and relationships that can foster and promote this notion in a way that benefits young Junior players, are not only good for the related parties, but also for the developmental model itself,” Seeger said.

Also, the Connecticut Oilers will call the soon to open SoNo Ice House in Norwalk, CT their home. The “Ice House” will have dedicated team locker rooms and a training facility to provide both on and off ice player development.

The RoughRiders Hockey Club through it’s partnerships has players participating from Mites to Juniors in the USHL, EJHL, EJHL U-16, EmpireJHL, Elite AAA Hockey League, Midwest High School League and youth hockey associations.

The Connecticut Oilers in it’s first season will participate in the EJHL, EJHL U-16, and the EmpireJHL.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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