http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20100715/SPORTS/7150322/City-fans-meet-Fighting-FalconsBy PAUL COSTANZO
Times Herald
• July 15, 2010
The Port Huron Fighting Falcons introduced themselves to the city Wednesday, and used the opportunity to make two big, local announcements.
The team has hired former Port Huron Icehawks business manager Dave Goetze to market the North American Hockey League team, and named Port Huron's Alex Archibald as its first protected player.
"Playing against older people, more competition, it's at home, which is great, and I think it will help me get better in the long run and move me on to a better level of hockey," said Archibald, who turns 16 in August.
Archibald, a defenseman, is not guaranteed a spot on the team, but he will attend the Fighting Falcons' main camp, which is Aug. 25-29.
"We got a great recommendation (on Archibald)," Fighting Falcons Coach and general manager Ernie Hicke said. "We're hoping that in the future we're going to have a lot of players from the area that are going to be playing here so you'll be able to see the local talent.
"As I have told (Archibald) and his mom and dad, it's up to him now. I know he's been working out in Toronto with his brother (Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick Brandon Archibald). I think there's a little bit of a bloodline there."
Archibald played for Honeybaked and was drafted by the Ontario Hockey League's Soo Greyhounds.
The two announcements were met with big applause from the fans who packed the Memorial Room at McMorran Place.
NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld said of the six expansion city news conferences he had attended, Port Huron's had the biggest turnout.
"Personally, I'm just really excited about this team coming to town," Port Huron Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Miller said. "We've gone through a transition here with the number of teams -- professional teams -- that have gone through here.
"The difference here, which is significant, we are getting young and up and coming, the kids with a dream yet, the kids with a lot of talent. I think the brand of hockey that they will bring to this community will be really exciting for the fanbase. As you all know, being around here, this has been a strong hockey area."
