July 25, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Hendrick, Ontario Reign PR
Phone: 909-941-7899
Email: lhendrick@ontarioreign.com
Reign's Original Head of Ticket Sales Accepts NHL Offer
James Collins makes the move to New Jersey
ONTARIO, Calif. – The Ontario Reign, 2011-12 Pacific Division Champions and proud affiliate of the NHL’s 2012 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, have announced that Executive Vice President of Ticket Sales, James Collins, will be leaving the Reign organization for a position with the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.
“The on-the-job training in the ECHL is incomparable. Being thrown into the fire, you learn how to adapt and improve on a daily basis. Through the process I have learned so much and feel more than prepared to take on this next role,” Collins said.
The East Northport, NY native was one of the original Reign staff members starting with the team March 10, 2008. Collins was an integral part of the success of the team’s ticket department. It is no coincidence that under him the Reign captured the ECHL Attendance title for three consecutive seasons. “I’ve learned how important hard work is in terms of being successful. If we didn’t put in the hours, we wouldn’t have success. That is something I have learned in the last eight years of working in sports,” Collins said.
Since starting out in the sports industry, Collins has worked for a variety of teams including; the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers, Sacramento Monarchs, and Sacramento Kings.
As the Reign’s Executive Vice President of Ticket Sales, Collins oversees the strategy and implementation of all ticket processes while assisting in sales and service. He is also in charge of the recruiting, hiring, training, and managing of the entire sales staff. As the Director of Ticket Sales and Service with the Devils, his duties will mirror those he had with the Reign; with the exception of their ticketing strategy.
In looking to the 2012-13 season, Collins is “most looking forward to selling the Devils out for the entire season. That is something that has not been done yet, but they are on pace to do it within a year or two. And hopefully get a Stanley Cup – that’s why we do this [working in sports],” he said.
Although he is eager to get over to the Devils organization, he will miss the people in Ontario. “The fans are great and the staff is amazing; making it difficult to accept advancement opportunities,” Collins said.
“I would like to thank Justin and Barry Kemp for the opportunity to be here. I hope that all Reign fans and employees understand what kind of ownership we have here in Ontario and appreciate the fact that they have owners that truly care. It’s been an honor working for them, I thank them both for what they have done for me personally as well as professionally.”
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