GSA Daily Staff Report
Published June 7, 2010

Carolina Ice Mice, Reedy River Rats and Greenville Copperheads were only a few of thousands of names suggested as part of HockeyGreenville’s “Name Your Team Sweepstakes.”

During the month-long sweepstakes, which ended at midnight on May 28, the new ECHL team encouraged individuals to submit ideas for its new name and colors, The winning name and colors will be announced on June 25 at Main Street Friday in downtown Greenville.

The team received 5,096 total entries, 2,019 unique entries and 1,820 unique names, with most participants vying for the grand-prize: two season tickets for life. The winner also will be invited to participate in activities during the naming unveil, as well as the team’s opening night in the Bi-Lo Center.

“We have been completely overwhelmed with the enthusiastic response we received during this sweepstakes,” said Neil Smith, co-owner of HockeyGreenville, who also received unofficial naming suggestions in the forms of videos, e-mails and letters from area elementary schools. “It’s nice to involve the community in a way that helps them feel they are a part of this team, and we are excited to announce the new name shortly.”

Season ticket deposits of $100 per seat are now being taken, with package prices ranging from $300, $415 and $540. Individual game tickets are $9, $13 and $17.