New Hockey Contract Approved

    The future of Texas Tech hockey is off thin ice. In a special meeting today, the city council approved a revised contract that will allow the team and other ice programs continued access to the City Bank Coliseum.

    Last week, the original contract was declined by city council members. Councilman Todd Klein was assigned the job of meeting with hockey representative Jeff Griffith. Together they agreed on a one-year contract that has both city council and Tech hockey in agreement. That contract allows the team -- plus other ice programs -- rights to the coliseum for the full season. It also allows the city to schedule other events in the facility as long as it does not interfere with the team's scheduled season play.

    The contract is for $60,000. But since the team has already played two of it's games -- and because of recent problems with their ice -- the city is in a sense, pro-rating the team. Now only $54,000 dollars are due. The contract agreement is a positive one for both parties.

    Mayor Tom Martin, City of Lubbock: "I think this is a great agreement that Councilman Klein and Jeff Griffith negotiated on both behalf of the city and Tech Hockey. It's amazing what you can get done with cooler heads prevailing."

    Jerry Griffith, Hockey Representative: "The pricing is of much concern, and really, it shouldn't be. They really want us in there, thank goodness, and we really want to be there."

    Mayor Martin says with any leftover funds from this contract, the city hopes to put the money towards much needed improvements at the coliseum.