Post by stripeoutlaw on Jan 28, 2010 15:01:18 GMT -5
Utah Blaze are reborn in new league
By Wade Jewkes
Deseret News
Published: Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010 12:51 a.m. MST
WEST VALLEY CITY — And the name is (drum roll please) ... the Utah Blaze!
Ownership of Utah's latest arena football team announced at a press conference Tuesday that the familiar moniker will be put to use once again. The rebirth of the Blaze marks the return of arena football to Utah — this time competing as a member of the newly formed Arena Football 1 League. The Blaze will play their home games at the E-Center.
Team owner Dave Affleck announced that the new league had purchased the assets of the now-defunct Arena Football League, including things like trademarks, logos, etc. Several teams from the old league joined together in forming a new 15-team AF1 League, which opens play on April 9.
AFL veterans form the nucleus of the Blaze organization, with Steve Videtich named as general manager and Ernesto Purnsley as head coach. They have 13 years and 12 years experience, respectively, in arena league football.
In order to make this team (and league) viable, Affleck is hoping to learn from mistakes in the past.
"League offices were spending a lot of money ... (on unnecessary items). Everyone now is in a more conservative mode," said Affleck.
By Wade Jewkes
Deseret News
Published: Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010 12:51 a.m. MST
WEST VALLEY CITY — And the name is (drum roll please) ... the Utah Blaze!
Ownership of Utah's latest arena football team announced at a press conference Tuesday that the familiar moniker will be put to use once again. The rebirth of the Blaze marks the return of arena football to Utah — this time competing as a member of the newly formed Arena Football 1 League. The Blaze will play their home games at the E-Center.
Team owner Dave Affleck announced that the new league had purchased the assets of the now-defunct Arena Football League, including things like trademarks, logos, etc. Several teams from the old league joined together in forming a new 15-team AF1 League, which opens play on April 9.
AFL veterans form the nucleus of the Blaze organization, with Steve Videtich named as general manager and Ernesto Purnsley as head coach. They have 13 years and 12 years experience, respectively, in arena league football.
In order to make this team (and league) viable, Affleck is hoping to learn from mistakes in the past.
"League offices were spending a lot of money ... (on unnecessary items). Everyone now is in a more conservative mode," said Affleck.