Press releases

RINDGE, N.H. (June 17, 2012) -- Most recently known as HC Woodland Park, the vagabond, oft-moving hockey club of USA League III.6 changed hands again in the wee hours of Sunday morning, as Matthew Janik announced the purchase of the team by Monadnock Hockey Co. The club will relocate, effective immediately, to Rindge, and be re=branded as the Rindge Riptide. Janik has installed himself as the general manager.

"This truly was an opportunity too good to pass up," said Janik at the team's introductory press conference. "As head of the ownership group, I speak for all of us when I say we share unbridled excitement at the chance to bring professional hockey to the Jaffrey-Rindge metroplex."

Construction of the team's facilities have already begun in earnest, while the local arena, The Ice House, will immediately begin renovations in anticipation of the introduction of professional ice hockey to the area. Stability will be much-needed for the franchise, which is changing ownership for the second time this season, and the 16th time in the last five campaigns.

"The constant ownership changes have led to incredible instability both on and off the ice for this franchise, and has clearly held the club back from a competitive standpoint," said Janik. "That said, the team is not devoid of talent and certainly does not lack for hard work and good attitude, so we look forward to building a contender in due time."

Evaluation and re-organization of all franchise personnel, in the lockerroom and in the front office can be expected to begin almost immediately. The team comes to Rindge with a full slate of sponsors in tow, though ownership expects to explore options in its new market during the off-season.

Bringing a 4-2-0-9 (W, OTW, OTL, L) and 16 points with them to Rindge, the Riptide come into existence in 13th place in III.6. The main goal over the remaining 23 games of the season will likely be to avoid relegation to the fourth-tier of USA hockey.

While the ownership begins to settle itself in the Rindge area, the team immediately makes a cross-country trip to continue the season. The first game in Riptide history will be Monday, on the road against the Los Angeles Riot. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 9 a.m. local time (noon EDT) at Target Center.

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