Aston, Pennsylvania (June 9, 2015) — In the continuing move to the east for the North American Hockey League (NAHL) Texas Sports Partners, LLC (TSP) is pleased to announce that the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the NAHL will be relocating from Texas to Aston, Pennsylvania becoming the Aston Rebels starting with the 2015-16 season.
“While is not without regret that we are leaving the Rio Grande Valley and the South Division, it is with great excitement that we embrace this opportunity to be part of the new Eastern Division of the NAHL” stated Ken Dennis, Managing Director of TSP.
The Rebels will be coached by Joe Coombs with Rocky Russo becoming the team’s Director of Player Development. TSP’s principals Ken Dennis and Mike Woodley will continue in their current capacity with John Giacobbo taking control of day to day operations in Philadelphia. The season begins in mid-September with the Rebels playing home games at IceWorks arena in Aston, PA.
“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to expand hockey in the Philadelphia suburbs” stated Giacobbo. “This area has a strong commitment to the sport and this is another example of bringing a quality and competitive team to the region” added Russo.
The Rebels will be having an open tryout camp July 24 – 26 at the Tam-O-Shanter arena in Sylvania, OH while the main camp will be August 5 – 9 at IceWorks in Aston, PA. Additional information regarding the camps, ticket information and more will be forthcoming.
Entering its 40th season, the NAHL is the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league, boasting 24 teams in 14 states from across North America, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey. During the 2013-14 season, a record number of 221 NAHL players committed to NCAA schools.
IceWorks Skating Complex opened in October of 1997. The venue consists of four ice surfaces, a full-service restaurant, pub and grill, full-service pro shop, arcade and banquet/rooms. Since opening, IceWorks has been busy with teams from the college ranks, Juniors, school and in-house teams, Delco Phantoms, and the Philadelphia Little Flyers of the NAPHL. IceWorks is located in Aston, Pennsylvania right off the I-95 corridor, 15 minutes south of Philadelphia.
