KEARNEY, Neb. – The Tri-City Storm and Viaero Event Center have announced that President Greg Shea will resign to accept another business opportunity in Kearney. This move will be effective June 18.
Shea has been the President for the hockey team and the event center since 2009, helping to grow the business presence of both in many areas.
“I’ve had the great pleasure and pride to represent the Storm and the Viaero Event Center as the President for the past six years,” Shea said. “I’ve made a professional decision to move on in my career, one that’s very difficult and took a lot of time. It’s especially difficult when you work with great people, great ownership, and represent two amazing brands.
“With the Storm and VEC moving in the right direction, I’m excited to take another step in my career and the best part is I get to do it right here in Kearney, a place I love and a place I look forward to continue to work and raise my family.”
Previously, Shea was with the Storm from 1999 to 2008, serving as the Vice President of Operations. He left to take a position as President of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, but returned when Kirk Brooks took over ownership of the team in 2009.
“Greg has not only been a model employee, but a good friend,” said Kirk Brooks, Owner of both the Storm and VEC. “When I purchased the team, I knew it was going to be vital for our survival and success to get Greg on board, and we were able to accomplish that. He’s done a terrific job ever since. He’s done his job not only with dedication and passion, but most of all with integrity.”
During the past six years, Shea has led the charge to grow the team’s attendance. Before Brooks purchased the team, Tri-City’s average attendance was 2,093 fans per game. That number has grown in each of the last six seasons, and was at 2,704 during the 2014-15 campaign.
In addition, the team’s season ticket holder base has grown to over 900 individuals, and will now include Shea himself. With the announcement, Shea has already placed his deposit to become the newest season ticket holder for the Storm during the 2015-16 season.
“I’ve always known Greg to be courteous, helpful and respectful not only to the fans, but of all the other employees at the Viaero Event Center,” Brooks said. “I feel a loss for the Storm family but at the same time, I’m very happy for Greg and his family. While I hate to lose him, I’m not one to hold players and employees back.”
Shea initially started his career in sports management with the Omaha Racers semipro basketball team from 1989-1995. He then got his start in hockey with the USHL’s Omaha Lancers, holding positions as the Director of Player Relations, Merchandising Manager and Assistant General Manager. Working with owner Ted Baer, Shea was instrumental in bringing the Storm to Kearney.
The Storm are now preparing for the team’s annual tryout camp, which will be held in Las Vegas June 15-21. The 2015-16 season will be the 16th year of hockey in the heartland. For more information, visit stormhockey.com.