AUGUSTA -- The votes are in and hockey fans in the CSRA have spoken loud and clear. The new name of the community's new Southern Professional Hockey League franchise will be the Augusta River Hawks. The name was unveiled Saturday afternoon in front of fans and members of the local media at Somewhere in Augusta (2820 Washington Rd).

“It has been a long road getting to this point, but Diane (Kerzner) and I are very excited with the name the fans have chosen,” said River Hawks owner Bob Kerzner. “It is a strong name with a great ring to it, and referencing the river allows us to include all of the CSRA in our identity.”

For a number of weeks the team staff has been accepting name nominations through the Southern Professional Hockey League website. Team ownership and management narrowed the list to five names and this past week fans have voted for their favorite name through the Augusta Chronicle
website. The name “River Hawks” won with more than 42% of the final vote.

Along with finding an identity for the new team, the River Hawks Hockey Club has also reached an agreement with their first major sponsor for the 2010-11 season. The Baymont Inn and Suites has agreed to become the Official Hotel of the Augusta River Hawks. The Baymont sits conveniently at 629 Northwest Frontage Rd. near the intersection of I-20 and I-520, and it will host the River Hawks' visitors' throughout the 2010-11 season.

“Julia Prisco and Jamie Howard with Baymont were among the very first people who welcomed us to the community,” said River Hawks Vice-President and General Manager Gilles Richard. “It is extremely exciting that we've been able to forge a relationship with such a beautiful facility and we look forward to developing the partnership on a long-term basis.”