Jacks Receive Accolades

The Odessa Jackalopes were honored at the CHL Summer Conference by receiving two awards; the CHL's Most Improved Franchise of the 08-09 season, and the Community Relations Franchise of the Year award. I think the Jackalope players, front office staff, and coaching staff should all be very proud of these acccomplishments as they truly were well deserved. There is no doubt in my mind that the Jacks were the most improved team last season. The Jacks had their best season in franchise history in several ways, and were only one game away from making it to the finals in the playoffs. The Jackalopes also deserved the Community Relations Franchise of the Year award for the simple fact that the Jacks were out in full force in the community for much of the season. The Jacks raised money on several occasions for good causes; the Jacks made several public appearances to sign autographs and meet and greet with fans; and the front office staff helped improve the attendance by being in the public as much as possible. Hopefully our attendance will continue to grow as I honestly believe that the Jacks are only going to get better season after season. The Jackalope ownership has proven that they want to win, and our slogan from last season "Whatever it takes" certainly does apply to our team. I think the Jacks also had a case to take the CHL Franchise of the Year award as well. The Killer Bees definitely deserve credit for a fantastic season, but in my eyes the Jacks proved to be the franchise of the year by making history in several categories, producing the CHL MVP in Sebastien Thinel, having a rookie of the year candidate in Jeff Pierce, and proving that we are no longer the doormat of the CHL by taking out the Laredo Bucks in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. With that being said, congratulations to the Killer Bees and hopefully we will play ya'll a few more times next season to prove that we are the superior team. All in all we did not find too much out from the Summer Conference, but I am definitely proud of the Jacks taking home two great awards. You can read more about the Jacks accolades at http://www.jackalopes.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=234:06story01&catid=69:newstory&Itemid=119

Elsewhere in the CHL:

• No scheduling or realignment news came out of the Summer Conference as the Mudbugs, Scorpions, and Rage were all given an extension to find a new owner. That new extension is now June, 16. Hopefully all three of these teams will be back next season as they truly are important to the CHL.

Until next time Jack fans all I have to say is GO JACKS GO!!!