AUGUSTA, Ga. - Saturday night, the next step in the revival of hockey in Augusta took place thanks to some artwork and fabric.

The Augusta RiverHawks rolled out their new team logo and jersey designs in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Somewhere In Augusta. At the same time, they also introduced former Lynx player John Whitwell as the new franchise’s Grassroots and Community Liaison.

More than 100 fans stopped in to see owners Bob and Diane Kerzner,

Coach Brad Ralph (left) and G.M. Gilles Richard model the new Augusta jerseys (PHN photo by Stephanie Simpers)

General Manager Gilles Richard, head coach Brad Ralph and the rest of the RiverHawks’ staff unveil the logo that will adorn the red, white and blue jerseys on the ice. It depicts a river hawk, wings fully spread, clutching a hockey stick in its talons with the name “RiverHawks” emblazoned from wingtip to wingtip across its body.

Chris Rucker and the design team from Kruhu was given the responsibility of creating the new logo for the RiverHawks. They came up with three options for the hockey team to look at after which the ownership and staff chose the design they would use.

RiverHawks Community Outreach coordinator John Whitwell addresses the fans (PHN photo by Stephanie Simpers)

“This logo belongs to these folks, the fans,” owner Bob Kerzner said. “We had the aim of coming up with a classic-feeling logo that the fans and players can take a lot of pride in. It sounds like we achieved that goal.”

The introduction of Whitwell as the newest member of the RiverHawks’ staff was yet another nod to long-time Augusta hockey fans. He spent five seasons playing for the Lynx from 1998 to 2006. In that time, he played in 289 games for the ECHL club, establishing a reputation for being an intimidator on skates. Whitwell was also a leader in the locker room, earning the respect of his teammates and fans.

Away from the rink, Whitwell spent countless hours out in the community, working with Augusta’s youth hockey programs by running programs for beginners all the way up to the more experienced young players. Following his retirement, he stayed in the CSRA, continuing to pass along his knowledge and passion to up and coming players.

G.M. Gilles Richard shows off the new RiverHawks shoulder logo (PHN photo by Stephanie Simpers)

In his new role, Whitwell will help to coordinate the RiverHawks’ outreach into the community with an emphasis on youth sports.

“From our first press conference, we have made it clear to the fans that one of our top priorities will be becoming an important and contributing member of the local community,” Richard said. “John has spent years volunteering his time and energy to make the CSRA a better place to live. Having a quality person like him on-board will help us achieve our goals.”

Richard also added that the team is about one-third of the way to its goal of 1,500 season tickets sold prior to the RiverHawks opening the season on October 22 at the James Brown Arena.

Information for this story was provided by Ken Vezina of the Augusta RiverHawks

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