The Brahmas will return to the Central Hockey League in October 2007 with a new name, a new home and an infusion of local ownership.

The development is a result of an agreement reached between the Brahmas and NYTEX Sports to play at the former Blue Line Ice Complex in North Richland Hills. NYTEX Sports, a family-owned management company based in Texas and New York, finalized a purchase of the facility in late March of this year.

The newly renovated facility, set to open in June, will officially be renamed in the near future. The agreement allows for an immediate return to action for the Brahmas, who will still actively consider long-term arena options for the club.

The Brahmas move to North Richland Hills will include a new team name, to reflect their new home, the team will now be known as the Texas Brahmas. "We are excited to see CHL hockey in North Richland Hills," said Mayor Oscar Trevino. "Our community has embraced hockey in the past and I know all the fans in North Richland Hills and Tarrant County will enthusiastically support this team. The Texas Brahmas will undoubtedly be a source of pride for our community. Everyone involved is committed to making this a first class entertainment venue for hockey fans. I have seen their passion and dedication and I know they will be successful.”

NYTEX Sports, principal partners Dr. Salvatore Trazzera, Frank Trazzera, Knute Anderson and Jim Makens, will also share in the ownership responsibilities of the Brahmas. Stuart Fraser, the Vice Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. and the executive managing director of Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, will retain majority ownership of the team.

Andy Moog, a former National Hockey League goaltender and a current assistant coach with the Dallas Stars, will continue to serve as a minority owner. NYTEX Sports will oversee day-to-day operations of the team. “We are very pleased to welcome the NYTEX Sports group to the Brahmas organization,” Fraser said. “We are confident that their involvement will provide a significant benefit to both our team and area hockey fans.”

The agreement will result in the team beginning its tenth season of play, and sixth in the Central Hockey League, this fall following their one year hiatus. CHL President Brad Treliving is looking forward to having the Brahmas back on the ice. “We welcome the return of the Brahmas to the Central Hockey League for the coming season of play,” Treliving said. “I commend the entire organization on their numerous efforts to date that have made their return possible.”

NYTEX Sports has started renovations on the facility in preparation for the Brahmas’ upcoming season as well as play by a number of youth hockey organizations and recreational skating open to the public general public. The facility will reopen featuring two rinks, one built for spectator viewing to serve as the new Brahmas home.

The new venue will include a minimum of 2300 seats as well as several suites. Sales of 2007-08 season tickets, individual game ticket pricing and seat selection will begin in the near future. Season ticket holders from the Brahmas’ 2005-06 season will be granted priority seat selection.

The Trazzera brothers, both passionate about hockey, are committed to improving the hockey experience for the franchise and facility. “Timing is perfect for the Brahmas and the CHL to return to the community and we expect the facility to serve area hockey fans well,” said Dr. Salvatore Trazzera.

Mike Barack, General Manager of the Brahmas since the summer of 1998, will continue to serve in the same capacity, responsible for day-to-day business operations. NYTEX Sports President Frank Trazzera will oversee facility renovations and the selection of a new head coach and director of hockey operations for the Brahmas.

“We are excited to partner with NYTEX Sports and look forward to an exciting return to the ice in the coming season,” said Barack. “The North Richland Hills location is ideal as we can serve the entire mid-Cities population in addition to being in close proximity to Brahmas fans throughout the greater Fort Worth area.”

For additional details contact the Brahmas office 817-336-4423.