State of the Scorpions

Adam Minnick sent out this release today, updating the Scorpions' fanbase as to the economic struggles the team has endured this season. I know there has been a lot of public outcry regarding the discretion with which the organization has handled its money issues -- many people, season ticket holders especially, believe that their investment in the organization entitles them to all of the information. This is certainly true in some sense, but at the same time, businesses reserve the right to disclose information at their leisure. In spite of all the negative publicity and suspect rumors, I believe the Scorpions organization and those who support it are and will continue to be committed to finishing out this season and getting the entire operation pointed in the right direction.

Scorpions Making Changes to Survive and Thrive

[RIO RANCHO, N.M.]—
The New Mexico Scorpions Professional Hockey team is not immune to the current
economic challenges that exist for small businesses. In an effort to survive the
current season the organization has had to make some very difficult business
decision, focusing on those items essential to the business while eliminating
those deemed non essential. This year to franchise will once again loss money.
The organization will be restructuring its entire business model to ensure the
survival of the season.

Over the past three years, the ownership
group has lost over $1,000,000 due to a lack of support. While they have
committed to keep the business in operation, this year has proved to be
especially challenging.

“It is very important we focus on our fans
and corporate partners during this tough time and still provide a good product
on and off the ice,” said Gary Gelinas, Scorpions President. “Focusing on
the fans and having a grass roots sales effort will be the key to getting more
people at our games for the remainder of the season.”
Most recently, the
organization made a difficult decision to terminate the broadcast partnership
with Citadel Broadcasting. The team cannot afford the financial commitment that
was required to Citadel as the organization goal is to keep an office staff and
on ice team operating. Citadel Broadcasting, including our flagship home 610 The
Sports Animal, has been a very solid partner to the Scorpions and it is very
unfortunate that this decision had to be made.

The current
ownerships goal is to continue this current season while looking to bring on
local investors. It is critical that the team is owned locally to ensure the
corporate community steps up to support the team and facility and to help
promote the team to the community. This will be a key to the survival of hockey
in New Mexico.
“The ownership group is committed to taking the steps to keep
hockey in New Mexico,” said Dave Ellett, Scorpions Owner.
The organization is
still in operation and will be playing its games as scheduled and asks that fans
continue to show support, purchase tickets and spread the word of the great
building. The corporate community continues to support the organization as that
is necessary for both the Santa Ana Star Center and the
Scorpions.

The team will have some of the largest crowds of the
season for the upcoming games. On January 24th, American Cancer Society Night
jersey auction the annual “Kids Day” game will attract over 5,000 students,
Salute to the Badges jersey auction game on February 7th and UNM Lobo jersey
night against great rivals as we push towards the playoffs.