More on Texas Tornado Ownership Situation

The day after the Texas Tornado officially announced that Bill Yuill will be taking over the team with his group Sports Holdings USA, the team's news release goes more in depth and says thinks to previous owners Bob and Kirby Schlegel for what they did to the club turning it into one of the premier junior teams in the country.

Which included 3 League Titles from 2004-2006 and numerous players heading to the NCAA & Professional Ranks, including a few players who went to the NHL and former goalie Ben Bishop who was named to the USA Team for the Ice Hockey World Championships.

From the North American Hockey League: www.nahl.com

The North American Hockey League has announced that its board of Governors has approved its transfer of ownership of the Texas Tornado.

The new ownership group is led by Bill Yuill, president of Consolidated Sports Holdings USA, inc.

A native and resident of Medicine, Hat Alberta, Yuill, which is also the chairman and CEO of the Monarch Corporation, a privately owned companies with three operating divisions - communications, investments and sports franchises - has owned and operated successful baseball and hockey teams for over three decades.

"Since 1999, the Texas Tornado has been one of the premier junior hockey organizations not only in the NAHL, but all of North America, and we're excited for Bill Yuill and consolidated Sports Holdings to carry on the winning tradition." said NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankfeld. "His business experience and expertise, along with his success owning and operating hockey teams speaks for itself."

"Were proud to become members of the North American Hockey League and participate in its continued growth and success," said Yuill. "We see a bright future."

Consolidated Sports Holdings EXC. VP Gary Gelinas, who boasts owning and managing sports franchises, will oversee the operations of the Texas Tornado.

"I'm delighted with the opportunity to become est. in the Dallas Market," Yuill said. "Over the years, our company has operated franchises in seven different states, but this will be one our first ones in Texas."

The Tornado plays its home games at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco. One of the premier junior hockey facilities in North America, the recently renovated arena also serves as the practice home of the Dallas Stars.

"The Texas Tornado have built a successful following here in North Texas and we are very excited to be a part of that continued tradition under Bill Yuill and Consolidated Sports Holdings," said Randy Locey, executive vice president for the Dallas Stars and Dr. Pepper Arena. "We look forward to working with Bill and Gary and continue growing the sport of hockey in Texas."

Under the teams previous owners, Bob and Kirby Schlegel, of Schlegel Sports Group, the Tornado solidified itself as one of the elite junior hockey programs in North America, on and off the ice.

The Tornado won three straight league championships from 2004-2006 and seven NAHL Regular Season division titles thinks to seven straight 40 plus winning seasons from 1999-07. The Tornado also developed and moved over 80 players onto the NCAA & Professional (four of its former players skated in the NHL this season.)

"Bob and Kirby have been at the forefront of helping the NAHL evolve into one of the best junior hockey league in North America, and we can't think them enough for the commitment they've shown over the years," said Frankfeld. "Their involvement has done so much with the Frisco community, the fans, and most importantly, the players and their success."

"I'd like to think Schlegel family and the Dallas Stars for their cooperation and support throughout the transition."

for more info, checkout www.tornadohockey.com