Breaking News PENSACOLA, FLA – The Pensacola Ice Flyers announced Thursday that team Vice-President Alan Siskind, who was a key force in bringing hockey back to the Panhandle, has passed away at age 67 following an illness.
Siskind, a former automobile business executive, is generally creditied with bringing Tim Kerr back to Pensacola to revive hockey after a year’s absence. Siskind’s relationship with Kerr began during Kerr’s time as owner of the ECHL Pensacola Ice Pilots. Kerr brought Siskind on as a consultant for the Ice Pilots, forging both a business relationship and a personal friendship that was the basis for the Ice Flyers.
“Alan was instrumental in hockey being back in Pensacola,” Kerr said of Siskind. “We’re all going to miss him. He was a pleasure to work with and was an incredible idea man.”
Mr. Siskind worked very closely with the city of Pensacola, Escambia County and SMG to broker all of the deals necessary to bring the Ice Flyers to life. He also spearheaded the formation of business partnerships as well as the season ticket drive that was the final piece in executing the final agreement to start the team.
“It is a sad day for all of the Ice Flyers’ family as we hear the news of the passing of Alan Siskind. If not for the efforts of Alan, we as an organization would not be where we are today,” Ice Flyers coach and long-time friend Todd Gordon said. “He was very instrumental in getting us running this season. We owe a great deal to him and his family.”
Services will be held Friday at 3 P.M. at Temple Beth-El on North Palafox Street in Pensacola. Siskind’s familty will receive guests at their home on both Friday and Saturday evening at 6 P.M. The family requests that any memorial be sent to Temple Beth-El in Pensacola ( www.templebethelofpensacola.org ) or in Mr. Siskind’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice.
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