Brahmas announce newest member of ownership group

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS , Tx –Mike Barack has been around the hockey rink perimeter more than just a few times in his lengthy career as General Manager for the Texas Brahmas of the Central Hockey League. In fact, on game day, he makes countless journeys in and around the NYTEX Sports Centre, home of the Brahmas. He’s a familiar face and easily recognizable to the fans as the well dressed gentleman with the brisk walk.
 
Barack who became part of the Brahmas front office team in July 1998 will be logging his tenth year with the organization for the upcoming 2008-09 season. His tenth year landmark has been preceded with the naming of him as the newest member of the Texas Brahmas ownership group but his inclusion into the ownership group will not affect his duties as General Manager with the Brahmas this year.

  
“It has been an exciting ride for me with the Brahmas with lots of highs and lows. Obviously our goal is to sell out every game and win a championship, and we will continue to try and accomplish those goals. I believe with Dan Wildfong and Forbes MacPherson at the helm, we can make this a reality,” said Barack.
 
The Brahmas travels haven’t always been smooth such as when the former Fort Worth team ceased operations for the 2006-07 season but Barack didn’t lose faith. He rode out the year and returned with the franchised for the 2007-08 season as the Texas Brahmas with a new staff and location in North Richland Hills.
 
Barack places a tremendous amount of the Brahmas successes to the men who continued to keep the franchise up and running for the last decade.
 
“I would like to thank Stuart Fraser and Andy Moog for maintaining their ownership for over the past ten years. Stuart and Andy are currently the longest continuous owners from the WPHL (dating back to the creation of the WPHL prior to its merger with the CHL). Stuart’s financial and personal commitment has been unbelievable,” said Barack.
 
There’s no doubt to Barack the loyalty of the Brahmas’ fans and their passionate support deserve credit. He’s grateful of North Richland Hills who welcomed the Brahmas into their community and longtime sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Coors Distributing of Fort Worth and Thumbtechs for their support during rough times.
 
The dedication of NYTEX Sports to resurrect and insure the Brahmas stability in North Richland Hills was a significant factor.
  
“Dr. Salvatore Trazzera and Frank Trazzera were instrumental in bringing back the Brahmas. Their commitment to the Brahmas and amateur hockey in our area is unparalleled,” said Barack.
 
Texas Brahmas majority owner, Stuart Fraser is happy about the additional role as owner for Barack.
 
“He epitomizes the Brahmas franchise; passion, devotion and dedication. Mike’s level of professionalism and drive are what keeps him and the organization top-notch in the league,” said Fraser.
 
With Barack in the captain’s chair, the Brahmas have won numerous league marketing and sales awards, including the naming of Barack as co-Executive of the Year in 2000-2001 by the WPHL (Western Professional Hockey League).
 
From the Brahmas’ impressive finish last season, Barack and the rest of the organization will have plenty to build upon before, during and after the puck drops in the 2008-09 season.
 
Contact the author: brian.mclean@prohockeynews.com