LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Bucks owner Glenn Hart held his announced town meeting Wednesday night at the Laredo Energy Arena and effectively placed the future of the franchise in the hands of the team’s fans and the local community. 
Hart addressed several issues facing the organization and while more was discussed (and revealed) than expected, the most important topic was the financial health of the organization. “Myself and my fellow co-owners are only asking for a fighting chance at a profit,” Hart said as he addressed the issue of season tickets, requesting that all season ticket holders renew their seats by 5pm on Friday, May 20th. “Our season ticket holders have been the Bucks MVP’s for nine seasons, and I believe they will once again prove that they are the best fans in the CHL.” Hart will look at the number of seats purchased for the upcoming season as a point of reference as to whether or not to continue. The Bucks also unveiled a new pricing and seating structure that Hart said is needed to ensure their future. Two other major announcements were made during the course of the meeting. A hush fell over the crowd when Hart announced that Terry Ruskowski will not be returning as President/GM/Head Coach of the Bucks.
Terry Ruskowski
“At the end of the season, Glenn and I discussed what would be best for the future of hockey in Laredo,” Ruskowski said. “While I did not want to leave, I felt that it would be best for the future of hockey in Laredo. I will always cherish my time in Laredo. But the time has come for me to pursue other opportunities.” Ruskowski was the face of the team over the course of its history and leaves behind a tremendous legacy. As the bench boss for 574 regular season games, “Roscoe” put together an impressive 343-175-56 regular season record and led the team to two Ray Miron President’s Cup Championships, in 2004 and 2006. “I would like to thank the fans and the City of Laredo for the tremendous support they have given me and the Laredo Bucks for the past nine years” Ruskowski said as he finished addressing the crowd.
Serge Dube
Hart announced the Bucks’ new Head Coach, Serge Dube. Dube has spent his entire pro career playing for the Bucks, beginning with the team’s inaugural 2002-03 season. He will begin his tenure as Head Coach in the upcoming 2011-12 season. The 31-year-old defenseman from Sudbury, Ontario tallied 347 points (85 G, 262 A) and 323 PIM in 428 regular season games played over the course of nine seasons. He added 60 points (11 G, 49 A) and 73 PIM in 94 post-season contests. In addition, Hart revealed that the team will remain a member of the Central Hockey League. Hart stated that other options were explored, but the best option was for the Bucks to remain in the CHL. Hart ended the Town Hall Meeting by stating, “I have always said that we have the greatest fans in the league. We all must do our part to keep hockey in Laredo.”
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robert.keith@prohockeynews.comRelated
