KILLER BEES WELCOME DAN BELISLE AS NEW GM

HIDALGO, TEXAS --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that Dan Belisle (buh-LIGH-uhl), who brings almost 20 years of diverse professional hockey experience, has been selected as the franchise’s new General Manager. Belisle takes over for Grant Buckborough, who has accepted a position with the Phoenix Coyotes of the NHL.

The 47-year-old Belisle has worked in a number of capacities in the pro game. As Vice President of Operations and General Manager of four organizations, he has overseen all aspects of the business including business operations, human resources, corporate partnerships, ticket sales, media and community relations, marketing and merchandising.

Previously one of the most consecutively tenured ECHL executives, Belisle served as a member of the ECHL Rules Committee for 11 years and served as Chairman of the Committee for three years.

“Dan’s extensive background, both within hockey and out, will be a key component of our business operations as we go forward,” Killer Bees Owner/President Troy Nelson said.

Last season, as Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL, Belisle helped lead the team to the fifth-best record ever for an expansion team in ECHL history, capturing the North Division Championship and finishing in a three-team tie on top of the American Conference.

“This is an exciting opportunity for me,” Belisle said. “The success of this franchise was an attractive part of accepting the position. I don’t plan to shake things up here. I want to help continue to grow this franchise and grow the game of hockey in the Rio Grande Valley.”

Before joining Kalamazoo, Belisle spent four years (2005-09) as Vice President and General Manager of the Victoria Salmon Kings. While in Victoria he ran the day-to-day business of the team and also helped foster the team’s first-ever NHL affiliation. Belisle spent three seasons serving as Vice President/General Manager of the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies (ECHL) from 2003-05. The Boardwalk Bullies won the ECHL championship, the Kelly Cup, in 2003. Prior to his time in Atlantic City, Belisle spent five seasons with the New Orleans Brass (ECHL). He started his tenure as Assistant Head Coach/Assistant General Manager before taking on the Vice President/General Manager role.

Belisle has also spent time as a professional head coach, leading both the Jacksonville Bullets (Southern Hockey League) and Dayton Ice Bandits (Colonial Hockey League). His career in hockey dates back to 1984, when he served as a Marketing Coordinator/Director of Youth Hockey for the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings.

Outside of hockey, Belisle has been a successful real estate and property manager.

Belisle is the son of former Detroit Red Wings scout Dan Belisle, Sr., who played pro hockey from 1957-71 and appeared in four NHL games with the New York Rangers. Both he and his father had roles in the classic hockey movie Slap Shot; his father appeared as a player while Dan played the part of a stick boy.