ROME, N.Y. — Rome hockey is stepping into a new era with the arrival of its new semi-pro team, the Copper City Chiefs.
The announcement was made today at the teams first press conference at Kennedy Arena.
Jimmy Milliken, Milliken Sports Group Owner, wanted to pay homage to the teams past pro hockey team that were the original Copper City Chiefs.
Milliken said, “We’re committed on honoring the former players, coaches, staff, volunteers, and fans who helped make hockey in Rome so special. We aren’t replacing history. We’re building upon it. The name is for tradition.The logo is for honoring heritage.”
The rich hockey history played a huge role in the team coming to the copper city, Milliken said it wasn’t a hard decision at all to bring hockey back to Rome.
“The past has never left the community, it’s simply the right opportunity to return. From the beginning our goal has been to build something that belongs to the people of Rome,” said Milliken.
When presented with the chance of a semi-pro team, Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan said he jumped on the idea of bringing more hockey to the area.
“I thought it was something that we truly needed. This community is built on hockey.But more than that is entertainment for our community. And we’re always looking for something to do, and we’ve always shifted off to Syracuse or Utica. And I thought this would be a great opportunity for us to have something right here in our hometown that we could all enjoy,” said Lanigan.
Not only did we find out what the team name is, but they also announced their first player signing.
Rome native and former Utica University Defenseman Jaxon Rutkowski.
Rutkowski said, “Jimmy got a hold of me, pretty much told me what was going to be going on here, and it was exciting. I look forward to coming out here and playing on Saturday nights in front of all of you and putting on a great show.”
Milliken talked about the roster and said he is looking for local players for about 70% of the roster and the rest they look to bring in to the community.
The next couple of days we will hear more player signings.
Rome hockey is stepping into a new era with the arrival of its new semi-pro team, the Copper City Chiefs.
Rome Copper City Chiefs will play 14 home games with the APHL starting in October and ending in April.