Central Hockey League - Topeka Tarantulas

Topeka Tarantulas Unveil Name, Logo

Topeka, KS - Topeka hockey fans have had a new team to discuss for about a month: now they have a name for their team. Thursday night at Bullfrogs Live in Gage Center, Assistant General Manager Nick Casarona officially unveiled the logo and colors that will be worn by the Topeka Tarantulas. The colors are blue, orange and tan.

Tarantula team officials commissioned AllSports Marketing of Baltimore, MD (www.allsportsmarketing.com) to design the logo after being introduced to AllSports Director of Sales, Dee Campbell at the CHL Spring Conference in Phoenix recently. AllSports has done work for both the Laredo Bucks and Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, who were each named CHL Merchandiser of the Year one of the previous two seasons. The logo was created and designed by Art Director Mark Gibson. AllSports President/Owner, Jeff Wilkinson, said "anytime we do a logo for an inaugural CHL team it's an honor for us".

Thursday's announcement culminates a month-long "Name the Team Contest", sponsored by the Topeka-Capital Journal. Over 1,000 entries were submitted, and the top 50 names were narrowed to five finalists; the Tarantulas, Toros, Tomcats, Torpedoes and Tornadoes.

The winning entry was submitted by Mark and Amy Johnson of Topeka who will receive two lifetime season tickets, $500 and one of every item in the Tarantulas merchandising store. "We've been season ticket holders in the past and are thrilled to have hockey back in Topeka, winning this contest is an absolute honor" Mark Johnson stated. Speaking of the name and logo Casarona said, "We had to come up with something that the community could identify with, something that would appeal to children as well as adults and we had a short time to do it". Casarona went on to say, "It's tough to find a name that is unique, many names have already been used throughout different leagues. We feel we have accomplished all of our objectives with this logo and name".

Tarantula General Manager, Chris Presson could not attend the unveiling. He was in Oklahoma City spending time with his child who is recovering from an illness. "I greatly regret not being in Topeka for this big occasion". Presson said. "However, family must always come first. I look forward to being back in Topeka with my family very soon". Presson is expected to return to the team office Monday.

This article was taken from www.inthecrease.com.  All rights reserved.