- Amarillo Gorillas
Pro hockey team
text_color = #E13A3E
bg_color = #111111
team = Amarillo Gorillas
logosize = 150px
city =Amarillo, Texas
league =Central Hockey League
conference = Southern Conference
division = Southwest Division
founded =2002
arena =Amarillo Civic Center
colors = Black, Red, White
owner = Randy Sanders
coach =Tom Coolen
GM = Randy Sanders
media =1010 AM The Canyon
affiliates =Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
name1 = Amarillo Gorillas
dates1 = 2002 to Present
reg_season_titles = None
division_titles = None
conf_titles = None
chl_championships = NoneThe Amarillo Gorillas are a minor league hockey team that is based in
Amarillo, Texas . The team is affiliated with theCentral Hockey League . The Gorillas began play in theWestern Professional Hockey League in1996 as the Rattlers, the name they would carry until an ownership change in2002 . Oddly, as the Rattlers, the team frequently finished at the bottom of the WPHL and CHL divisions, but they have made the playoffs every year since becoming the Gorillas. The Amarillo Gorillas currently play in theAmarillo Civic Center . The team's head coach isTom Coolen .2007-2008 Season
The Amarillo Gorillas franchise seemed to look like it was falling apart coming into this season. Coach Jim Wiley waited until the last minute to sign players, with the majority of them being rookies. The Gorillas would find huge talent in All-Stars David Nimmo, Shaun Arvai, and Nate Fornataro. 2nd year players Bill Vandermeer and Chris Lipsett would add too the talent. The Gorillas finished the season with a 22-32-10 record, their worst ever. They finished just 6 points shy of the Austin Ice Bats for the final playoff spot.
2008-2009 Season
The Amarillo Gorillas fell into the off-season upset, and confused after falling short of their 6th straight playoff appearance. Coach Jim Wiley was cut, and the new boss Tom Coolen was brought in by new owner Randy Sanders. Coolen has breathed a little fresh air into the Gorillas franchise as he brings in a good coaching record with him. Tom has already begun stocking up on some players and prospects for the 08-09 season.
Season Records
December
Record: 0–0–0 ; Home: 0–0–0 ; Road: 0–0–0
March
Record: 0–0–0 ; Home: 0–0–0 ; Road: 0–0–0
External links
* [http://www.amarillogorillas.com/ Amarillo Gorillas' Official Website]
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