Daily League News & Notes

Arena Football League
Troy Healthcare gives Philadelphia Soul sponsorship relief
Arena Football League (AFL) team Philadelphia Soul have signed a sponsorship deal with Troy Healthcare, the makers of the Stopain pain relief brand.
The deal will see Stopain receive extensive brand advertising around the 17,500-capacity Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, along with opportunities for products sampling with Soul fans. No financial terms were announced.  
Ron Jaworski, the managing owner of the Philadelphia Soul who is also a former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and a Stopain national spokesperson, said: “I truly believe in Stopain. It has helped me manage pain relief from years of playing professional football. Partnering Stopain with the Philadelphia Soul is a natural extension of our relationship and will surely prove to be advantageous for Stopain’s brand visibility.”
Thomas Cicini, president and chief executive of Troy Healthcare, added: “So many athletes are plagued with muscle and back pain, so there’s certainly a direct connection with the Stopain brand. And we found the Philadelphia Soul fan base to be extremely interested in team sponsors and loyal to their products. This partnership is highly relevant to our brand and will help us increase awareness for Stopain with Arena Football fans and professional sports.”
Soul Set to Begin Training for 2013 Season
The 2012 American Conference Champion Philadelphia Soul, presented by Parx Casino, will begin training camp on Thursday, Feb. 28, when all players of the 35-man roster are to report. The practices for training camp will be held at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia and will begin on Saturday, March 2.
Entering training camp, the Soul have 11 players from last season's American Conference Champion team. The top returners of the 2012 season include: QB Dan Raudabaugh, FB Derrick Ross, WR Tiger Jones, DB Rayshaun Kizer and DL Bryan Robinson.
"It's always important to have key weapons return to the team," said Soul head coach, Clint Dolezel. "It makes your job a little easier as a coach heading into the season. But, at the end of the camp, we still need to pick 24 of these very talented players. It's important that the players represent their full potential at this training camp to prove to us they will help our team win."
Dolezel, entering his first season as the head coach of the Soul, assembled a new coaching staff for the upcoming season. Two-time First Team All-Arena performer, Phil Bogle, begins his second coaching stint with the Soul as the assistant head coach. Former Philadelphia Eagle, Hollis Thomas; Chris McKinney; Steve Criswell; and Donald Malloy will join Dolezel and Bogle as assistant coaches.
The team will start practice March 2 until first cuts take place on March 8. The first cuts will reduce the roster to 28 players. The final 24-man roster will be announced on March 16 when training camp ends. The Soul open their 2013 season on Saturday, March 23 at 9 p.m. in Phoenix, against the Arizona Rattlers for an ArenaBowl XXV rematch, which will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
The 2013 training camp roster consists of 23 AFL veterans and 12 rookies. The All-Arena players on the Soul's rosters are: two-time All-Arena WR Tiger Jones, two-time All-Arena DB Rayshaun Kizer, All-Arena DL Bryan Robinson, and two-time All-Arena FB Derrick Ross.
Barnstormers Unveil New Uniforms for 2013
The Barnstormers' roster isn't the only thing that's undergone changes this offseason. With training camp scheduled to start in just 4 days, the team showed off their new-look uniforms at a late-morning press conference at Montana Mike's Steakhouse on Tuesday. Four players were on hand with Head Coach Mike Hohensee to reveal the uniforms that will be worn by the Barnstormers during the 2013 season.
The biggest change in the uniform is probably the "reversing " of colors on the helmet. The Barnstormers have gone from their standard gold helmets with black goggles to a modern looking black helmet with gold goggles. In addition, the team will be sporting new black pants with gold and red highlights. The uniform tops remain virtually unchanged from what the team has worn for the last five seasons. "Our goal was to update the look of our uniform, while continuing to honor the rich history of the Barnstormers franchise, and I feel that we accomplished just that", stated Barnstormers Team President Jeff Lamberti. Among the biggest fans of the new uniforms were the Barnstormers players. Wide Receiver Marco Thomas said "I already feel faster", while Defensive End Mike Lewis said "I can't wait to get on the field and hit someone in these new uniforms! It's time to go to work." Images of the new uniforms are attached.
The Barnstormers will go to work officially this Friday, when the team kicks-off their 2013 training camp. The team will practice for the first time on Saturday morning at the PAC Center on the William Penn University campus in Oskaloosa, IA. Individual game tickets for the 2013 season go on sale this Monday, March 4 at 10:00am. The home opener is scheduled for Friday, April 5 at 7:05pm.
AFL Global to Hold Open Tryout in Hawaii March 9
AFL Global LLC announces that it will hold an open player tryout in Honolulu, HI in conjunction with the Hawaii Gridiron League on Saturday, March 9. This tryout serves as the first official event for the organization that will focus on the "AFL China" project to start an Arena Football League in China in the Fall of 2014.
The tryout will be held at the Radford High School at 4361 Salt Lake Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96818.
AFL Global's Vice President of Football Operations Tom Goodhines, who also serves as the Arena Football League's Philadelphia Soul General Manager, will be joined by AFL Global staff in attendance to evaluate and interview players and coaches in attendance. Kickers will also be evaluated at this tryout.
"This is a historic first step as we look to start Arena Football in China," said Goodhines. "Our partnership with the Hawaii Gridiron League allows us to use this occasion as a springboard into what will be a historic journey. The players that we will be looking for will not only possess the ability to play, but will be asked to help teach and coach the Chinese players that will be participating in our games."
For these tryouts, AFL Global is looking for players and coaches that will have the opportunity to be involved in Beijing training sessions starting in May 2013, exhibition games slated for October 2013 or possibly play or coach in China under the AFL China in Fall of 2014. Players may even be considered by the Philadelphia Soul in the AFL.
Coaches looking to participate should attend an informal "Meet and Greet" at Tiki's Grill & Bar, 2570 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 on Friday, March 8 from 6-8 p.m.
All participants can pre-register before Thursday, March 7 at AFL Global Hawaii Tryouts or www.AFL-Global.com. The cost of the tryout is $50 for those who pre-register and $70 at the door by cash, money order or certified funds only. A t-shirt will be included in the cost and all fees are non-refundable. On the day of the tryout, registration will begin at 8 a.m., with stretching starting promptly at 9 a.m.
Players will be tested on their 40-yard time, broad jump and short shuttle with other position-specific drills and one-on-ones to follow. Please bring appropriate workout gear and shoes/cleats. Testing will take place on field turf - no metal cleats are permitted. A trainer will be on hand for emergencies only - not for player taping.
Sharks to Open Training Camp this Weekend
The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks announced Tuesday that the team will begin its 2013 training camp this coming weekend, three weeks before the team's regular-season opener on March 23 at Tampa Bay.
The 2013 Sharks will gather for a day of team meetings and physicals on Friday, March 1 before hitting the field for the first practice of the season on Saturday, March 2. The team will practice in full pads for the first time on Monday, March 4.
After two weeks of practice, the Sharks will test themselves in a preseason scrimmage against the Orlando Predators, to be held at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15 on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. This preseason contest will serve as a great chance for the Sharks' coaching staff to evaluate their squad's roster before final roster decisions must be made.
Following the conclusion of the preseason game, the team will turn its attention to the Tampa Bay Storm in preparation for the teams' Week 1 matchup in Tampa on Saturday, March 23.
Most training camp practices will be held at Plantation Park, located at 3060 Race Track Road in St. Johns. Beginning on March 4, practices will typically take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All practices held at Plantation Park will be open to the public. The teams' practices on March 2 and 3 will be held at The Bolles School and will be closed to the public.
While the Sharks will make every effort to adhere to the released practice schedule, practice times and locations are subject to change due to weather and other circumstances.
Please see below for a comprehensive list of key dates leading up to the start of the 2013 season.
March 1: Team Meetings and Physicals
March 2-3: Practice (CLOSED to the public)
March 4-9: Practice, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
March 10: Off day
March 11-14: Practice, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
March 15: Preseason scrimmage vs. Orlando, 8:00 p.m.
March 16-17: Off days
March 18-21: Practice, time and location TBA
March 22: Travel to Tampa, FL
March 23: Jacksonville Sharks at Tampa Bay Storm, 7:30 p.m.
KNBR to Broadcast SaberCats Games in 2013
The San Jose SaberCats and KNBR announced today that KNBR 1050 will be the radio home for all SaberCats football games during the 2013 season. The SaberCats open the 2013 slate on the road on Saturday, March 23 against the defending Central Division champion San Antonio Talons at the AlamoDome at 5:30 p.m. PT. San Jose's home opener is in Week 2 against the Orlando Predators on Friday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. PT at the HP Pavilion. Season ticket packages start as low as $85 and are on sale now. Contact (408) 673-3400 or info@thesanjosesabercats.com for more information.
"We are very proud to partner with KNBR again this season, as they are the home for Bay Area sports on the radio," said Owner/Head Coach Darren Arbet. "As an organization, we are looking forward to our fans being able to listen to all of our games throughout the season as we make our run at ArenaBowl XXVI."
The partnership also includes a wide range of weekly SaberCats programming, including a weekly coach's show with Arbet, Bob Fitzgerald and Rod Brooks on the Fitz and Brooks show on KNBR 680 (weekdays from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. PT), as well as 15-minute pregame and postgame shows on game days.

Champions Professional Indoor Football League
Omaha Beef Announce 2013 Sponsorship Opportunities
The Omaha Beef have moved and they are bringing their loyal fan following with them. Join them as they kick off their 14th season in the new, state of the art Ralston Arena. Excitement is at a fever pitch and growing in anticipation of the inaugural kick-off against the Nebraska Lawdogs on Sunday, March 03, 2013 at 3 pm. A 1:00 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will precede the game that everyone is encouraged to attend.
Fans will recognize many familiar faces when the Beef takes the field. Among them, returning coaches, Andy Yost and James Kerwin, veteran players and fan favorites like the Prime Dancers, and the Meatheads, and of course, all their fellow fans who will be there, making themselves comfortable in the new and extremely fan friendly environment. There is also some exciting changes in store such as new uniforms and new opponents in the CPIFL league which the Beef have joined this season. The new league will afford fans the opportunity to attend away games in close proximity to Omaha. The team is also under the direction of new owners, Rich Tokheim and Jim Tokheim, who are committed to maintaining the strong fan support that the Beef has always enjoyed and continuing its tradition as an affordable and family friendly sports entertainment option.
Your business can and should be a part of all the excitement. We offer a variety of advertising opportunities that best suit your company's unique profile.
DASHER BOARDS. Nothing can compare to the multiple advantages of advertising on the arena dasher boards. All eyes will be focused on your message, which will serve as the back- - - drop for all the action on the field. From now until February 23, you can save $1,500 off a '3x5'space that normally retails for $4,000. There is limited availability for this special price. You will also get a half page ad in our program, a link on beeffootball.com and 2 season tickets.
BEEF BOOSTER PARTNER. Our Beef Booster Partnership Package is an excellent value that includes a half page color advertisement in our program ($750 value), Internet Advertising with company logo and link back to your site on www.beeffootball.com ($500 value), 2 season tickets ($300). Total package value: $1,550 offered for only $800 until February 23.
SEASON TICKETS. Enjoy a 10% savings on all season and single game tickets purchased before February 23, 2013.
GROUP TICKETS. Go big, save big. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted rates. The bigger the group, the bigger the savings. Perfect for company outings, family get togethers or children's birthday parties.
Call (402) 346-BEEF (2333) or email cari@beeffootball.com for more information.
Wild Signs Wichita Native for 2013 Season
The Wichita Wild is pleased to announce the signing of Defensive Tackle, Darius Parish, for the 2013 season. This will be Parish's first year playing professional indoor football, joining the Wild after playing college football at Central Methodist University and the University of Kansas. His size on the defensive line will be a key addition for the Wild defense.
Parish, a native of Wichita, parlayed a talented high school football career at Wichita North into a scholarship at the University of Kansas. As a true freshman, Parish earned playing time as a back-up on the defensive line. He went on to record eight tackles in a season which saw KU earn an 8-5 record and an Insight Bowl victory. While in the process of transitioning to a position change to the offensive line, Darius redshirted his sophomore year. The following season, as a redshirt sophomore, Parish switched back to the defensive line before transferring from KU to Central Methodist University where he played one season. As a senior at Central Methodist, he recorded 14 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and 2.5 sacks.
Parish returns to his hometown after staring as a dual sport athlete at Wichita North, participating in both track and football, achieving success in both. He placed fifth in state at shot put his junior year, but ultimately receiving his most resounding success on the football field. His senior year Parish recorded 32 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and recovered a fumble.
"I'm just happy to have the opportunity to play for the team and to be picked up by the Wild," said Parish. "This is a strong team in a strong league and I look forward to have the opportunity to play."
Parish joins the Wichita Wild for the 2013 season in the CPIFL, the Champions Professional Indoor Football League, which is set to kick off on March 9 when the Wild travel to Tulsa to take on the Oklahoma Defenders. Both season tickets and single game tickets are now on sale, starting at $24 and $5 respectively. For tickets to the home opener on March 23rd against the Kansas Koyotes, call (316) 927-2999. For more news visit www.wichitawildfootball.com or follow the team on Facebook and Twitter (@wichita_wild).
Omaha Beef Announce Player Signings
The OMAHA BEEF are proud to announce the resigning of the 2012 IFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Peter Buck, and the signing of CB Michael Phillips LB Buck (6'1, 230)returns to the Omaha Beef after his rookie season in 2012. As a member of the Beef, Buck recorded a 142 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and a defensive touchdown. In addition, his 142 tackles ranked third in single season IFL history. For his rookie season Buck was named 2012 IFL Defensive Rookie of the Year as well as a Second Team All- IFL Linebacker.
"Peter Buck was one of the best defensive players in the IFL last season and we are very excited to have him return to Omaha", said Defensive Coordinator James Kerwin. "When Buck is in the game it seems like he is in on every play and is very difficult to account for. He does everything very well and is a real impact player. His experience, ability, and leadership really make him a great cornerstone of our football team" Before joining the Beef the Vacaville, CA native was a four-year starter at Sacramento State University.
The Beef have also added CB Michael Phillips. Phillips (5'11,205) joins the Beef after playing for the Allen Wranglers in 2012. As a Wrangler, Phillips appeared in eight games and made 29 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
"Mike is a dynamic player and a savvy veteran who we feel can come in and have a tremendous impact for us defensively and from a leadership standpoint", added Coach Kerwin. " He is a true professional on and off the field and is someone we expect big things from in 2013 and beyond." Phillips attended the University of Pittsburgh where as a Panther Phillips played in 39 games and recorded 129 tackles, three interceptions and one forced fumble. Phillips has spent time with the Cleveland Browns as well.
The Beef have moved to the brand new, 3,500 seat Ralston Arena after playing the last 13 seasons at the 8,100 seat Omaha Civic Auditorium. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets fast and visit the Ralston Arena to personally select their seats. Visit the Omaha Beef at beeffootball.com or Facebook to see seat selection, or call 402.346.BEEF. Season ticket reservations are also currently available by email cari@beeffootball.com.
Omaha will play a six regular season game in the new Champions Professional Indoor Football League, and will host geographical rivals like Sioux City, Kansas City and Lincoln.

Continental Indoor Football League
Under New Ownership, Thunder Head Back To Detroit
The Detroit Thunder are coming home. With the acquisition of the Thunder franchise by Terrence and Lawrence Foster their first move was to bring the indoor football franchise back to the Detroit-area.
"The Detroit Thunder will play their remaining home games at the Taylor Sportsplex this season," said Co-Owner Terrence Foster, "The Taylor Sportsplex is only minutes from the Detroit Metro Airport and will be an ideal location for us to play in for the duration of the season."
The Thunder have no easy task ahead of themselves this week in their "official" home opener after being handed a loss at the hands of the Erie Explosion last week in part of a double-header that took place at The McMorran Place in Port Huron, MI.
"Detroit is nearly an hour from Port Huron," said Foster, "Playing in Port Huron did not allow our Detroit fan-base to grow; especially without them being able to enjoy the product on the field without incurring travel costs."
The Thunder will welcome the defending CIFL Champion Saginaw Sting to the Taylor Sportsplex on Sunday 3/3 with a 4PM kickoff. Tickets for the game are only $10 and can be purchased at the door on gameday.

Indoor Football League
Colorado Ice Dominant in Preseason Opener
The Colorado Ice kicked off 2013 in impressive fashion last Thursday night, as they overpowered the Metro State Club Football Team on their way to a 105-0 win at home.
The Ice took control early and never relinquished it, racing out to a 35 point lead by the end of the first quarter and a 70 point advantage by half-time. Both teams agreed to play the second half with accelerated clock rules in the interest of sportsmanship and to keep the game moving towards a conclusion.
Head Coach Heron O'Neal now has the tough task of deciding who the Ice will have in their 21 active player spots on March 1st when the Ice start the regular season with a home game against the Tri-Cities Fever. By IFL rules, each team must have a finalized 25 man roster 48 hours before kickoff, with four of those players being inactive.
The season opener, which kicks off at 7 PM at the Budweiser Events Center, will be a stiff test, as the Fever are the two-time defending champions of the Intense Conference and were named the 2012 IFL Franchise of the Year.

Legends Football League
LFL Secures Host Stadium For Brazil World Bowl
LFL officials have reached an agreement with a prominent stadium in Brazil to host the 2014 LFL World Bowl, which will include a playoff between National Teams from the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe.
The top twenty athletes and top three coaches from each league will represent their respective countries in a championship series of games in July 2014. National Team rosters of players and coaches will be announced in March 2014.
Each of the two playoff games, as well as the LFL World Bowl, will be played in between World Cup matches so as not to compete with any World Cup events.
The 1st round will include USA facing Canada while Australia battles Europa. The winners of the playoff round will advance to play in the first-ever LFL World Bowl on the eve of the World Cup Final, July 12th 2014.
The LFL World Bowl will be played once every four years alongside the world cup.
Over half a million visitors are expected to be in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup, and each LFL game is expected to draw 30,000-50,000 fans. (More details to be announced in the coming weeks)
“Securing the ideal stadium is the first step in our development. It will surely be a surreal experience for our staff, players and coaches. The magnitude of this championship series will be incredible for our sport, crowning a true world champion,” said Mitchell S. Mortaza, Founder & Chairman, Legends Football League, LLC.

Professional Indoor Football League
Panthers Announce 4th Annual "Meet and Greet Party"
The Back-to-Back Champion and reigning Professional Indoor Football League Champion Albany Panthers announce their 4th Annual "Meet and Greet Party". Festivities will be held on Friday, March 1st from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Phoebe Field at the Albany James H. Gray Civic Center. All Panthers fans are invited to watch as the team holds its annual Purple and White Game presented by Home Town Auto Sales.
Following the intra-squad scrimmage, fans will have the opportunity to get autographs while meeting the Panther players, coaches, dancers, and of course, mascot Prowler. As always, this is a FREE event that is open to the public. Doors to the Albany James H. Gray Civic Center open at 5:30 p.m.
Panthers ticketing representatives will be on hand. All fans will have the opportunity to purchase season tickets, starting as low as $60! Tickets can also be purchased by phone at (229) 435-1230, at the Civic Center box office or online at www.albanypanthers.net.
"Our Meet and Greet Party is always an exciting time because it gives all of our loyal followers a sneak peek at the 2013 Panthers," said Panthers General Manager Will Carter. "Fans get to interact with the team, meet their favorite players and watch the team scrimmage as we prepare for the start of the PIFL season. It is also a great opportunity to pick your seats for season tickets. This is an event the team always looks forward to during training camp."
Nighthawks Join Together with FISH Hospitality Pantries
The Knoxville Nighthawks have teamed up with FISH Hospitality Pantries to raise awareness for families in need in East Tennessee. FISH Hospitality Pantries provides food for over 11,000 families every month and does not turn away anyone who is in need. Nighthawks Owner Jeff Knight said "Over the last few years the economy has hit everyone hard. We just wanted to find a way to try and help and I am amazed at what the volunteers at FISH do serving the Knoxville community". "The Nighthawks will be collecting non perishable items at all 6 home games as well as the playoffs. For every 2 non perishable food items get $2 off.
Panthers Announce Single Game Tickets on Sale Today
The Back-to-Back Champion and reigning Professional Indoor Football League Champion Albany Panthers announced today that single game tickets for the 2013 Professional Indoor Football League season are going on sale today, Wednesday, Feb. 27th at 10:00 a.m. EST. Individual tickets can be purchased for as low as $12 per ticket. The Panthers open their season on the road against the Louisiana Swashbucklers on Saturday, March 9th and the home opener is slated for Saturday, March 16th against the Columbus Lions on Phoebe Field at the Albany James H. Gray Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. ET.
"We are looking forward to a successful 2013 season and are encouraged by more than one hundred fifty thousand fans that came through the Civic Center turnstiles during the past three seasons," said PanthersGeneral Manager Will Carter. "The 2013 schedule is extremely attractive and we are anticipating another season of high demand games."
Individual tickets can be purchased by visiting ticketmaster.com, through the Albany Civic Center box office, by phone at (229) 435-5200, or at any Ticketmaster outlet location.
Albany Panthers season tickets are still available for the 2013 season, one of the best values in all of professional sports, season ticket or group packages (discounts are available for groups of 20 or more) can be purchased by calling the Albany Panthers offices at (229) 435-1230 or logging on to www.albanypanthers.net.

Ultimate Indoor Football League
UIFL Terminates Miami Sting
The Ultimate Indoor Football League has announced the Miami Sting will not compete in 2013. Do to unforeseen circumstances; the ownership group of the Miami Sting is currently not meeting all the obligations of the UIFL territory agreements. As a result of these circumstances, the UIFL has elected to terminate the ownership groups affiliation with the league. This formal release is effective immediately. The UIFL has worked diligently to find a new ownership group to allow the Sting to play this year. The UIFL was unable to secure new ownership in time to be competitively prepared for the 2013 season. The first game affected by the change is the Corpus Christi Fury, which will now travel to Missouri to take on the Missouri Monsters on Friday March 8th. The league has released the full revised schedule at http://www.uiflfootball.com.