Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, November 21, 1993 TAG: 9311210075
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: D-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
An East Coast Hockey League source confirmed Saturday that Revo has agreed with a deal instituted by the league to turn over the daily operations of the Huntsville Blast franchise to a local management group.
The group, known as Huntsville Hockey Inc., took over the running of the club effective Saturday, the source said. Revo has indicated he will attempt to sell the club as soon as possible, the source added.
Revo has faced nothing but adversity in the ECHL since buying the Roanoke Valley Rebels franchise from Vinton businessman Henry Brabham in June 1992.
Playing at the Vinton LancerLot last season, Revo's Roanoke Valley Rampage franchise compiled the worst record in league history (14-49-1) while averaging an all-time ECHL-low 1,483 fans per game.
Citing poor attendance and lack of business support, Revo moved the franchise to Huntsville last April. The numbers haven't gotten any better in Huntsville, as the Blast has won only two of its first 13 games while averaging an ECHL-low 1,082 fans through seven home dates.
Revo has been heavily criticized in Huntsville and by other ECHL club owners for his failure to provide proper financing to effectively market his franchise.
Revo and ECHL Commissioner Pat Kelly were unavailable for comment Saturday.
by CNB