NEWS
Date: May 19, 2010
RiverHawks Hire Brad Ralph As Head Coach
The Augusta RiverHawks announced today that Brad Ralph has been named the franchise's first Head Coach. Ralph was introduced at a press conference at "Somewhere in Augusta" Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm.
"On behalf of the entire organization, we are thrilled and honored to welcome Brad Ralph as our Head Coach," said RiverHawks owner Bob Kerzner. "Brad brings with him a wealth of experience as a leader of men and we believe is the perfect fit for the RiverHawks organization. Diane and I look forward to many years of successful hockey with Brad at the helm."
"I am so excited this time has finally arrived and I will once again get to take part in the game I love here in Augusta," said Ralph. "Our team will be comprised of young, tough and hard-working players that are well-prepared and motivated to play hockey for the fans. While I enjoyed my playing career immensely, I am eager to begin this new phase. I look forward to approaching this new leadership role with the passion and tenacity I bring to everything I do."
Ralph, 29, was a former team captain for the Augusta Lynx of the East Coach Hockey League. He was a second round draft pick of the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes and played in one game for the club. He had an eight-year professional career, playing 66 games in the American Hockey League. The rest of his career was spent in the ECHL with Mississippi, Augusta, Dayton, Columbia, and Charlotte.
Ralph demonstrated premier leadership abilities throughout his career. This culminated in him being named Player-Assistant Coach with the Columbia Inferno where he gained experience in team preparation and management.
"Troy Mann (currently the Assistant coach for the AHL's Hershey Bears) took me on as his Assistant Coach during the 2007-08 season and showed me the dedication it takes to form a winning brand of hockey," said Ralph. "Mann's mentorship and tireless efforts to create the ideal team will prove very useful this year as I merge what I have learned both on and off the ice. I believe in both mental and physical toughness and am eager to provide my players with the tools they need to perform at their personal bests. Those who know me well know that I take hockey seriously and really like to win."
The RiverHawks' inaugural season will begin with a weekend extravaganza October 22nd and 23rd. Information on season tickets and sponsorships for the 2010-11 season are available by visiting www.augustariverhawks.com and clicking on "Augusta Hockey", or by calling 706-993-2645.
