RESOLUTION NO. 960288

Congratulating DP Fox Sports & Entertainment, Ltd, on the purchase of the Kansas City Blades Hockey Club and honoring Russ and Diane Parker of Braken Holdings, Ltd, for their contributions to the success of the Blades franchise.

WHEREAS, Russell A. and Diane Parker have announced the sale of the Kansas City Blades Hockey Club to DP Fox Sports & Entertainment, Ltd, a professional sports management and marketing company owned by Daniel G. and Pamella G. DeVos of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and

WHEREAS, the Parkers brought professional hockey back to Kansas City in 1990 after an 11 year absence, guiding the Blades, along with Vice President and General Manager Doug Soetaert, to a solid position in the IHL and the League Championship in 1992; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the Blades' presence in Kansas City, interest in hockey in the area has increased dramatically, demonstrated by the construction of 2 new arenas in the area and by the average attendance at Kemper Arena of over 7,000 fans per game; and

WHEREAS, the new owners of the Blades are pleased with the hockey market in Kansas City and the leadership of Doug Soetaert and intend to keep the team in Kansas City; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the Blades, DP Fox Sports owns the Grand Rapids Griffins and an interest in the Barrie Colts, a member of the Ontario Hockey League; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council congratulate Daniel G. and Pamella G. DeVos of DP Fox Sports & Entertainment, Ltd, on the purchase of the Kansas City Blades, welcome them as members of the professional sports scene in Kansas City, and wish them the best of luck as owners of this excellent hockey organization; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council honor Russell and Diane Parker of Braken Holdings, Ltd, as former owners of the Blades, for all of their many contributions to the sport of hockey in Kansas City, the International Hockey League, the Blades organization and the City of Kansas City, and wish them well in their new endeavors; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony of the recognition of the Parkers and the DeVos and their efforts, past and future, to support professional hockey and, in particular, the success of the Kansas City Blades Hockey Club.

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