Iowa Chops
In 2004, Schlegel Sports took their organization to the next level by purchasing majority ownership in the Iowa Stars of the American Hockey League. The Iowa Stars were born and first two seasons on the ice were a huge success, with the team qualifying for the AHL’s Calder Cup playoffs both years. Based out of the 15,000-seat Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, the Iowa Stars served as the primary affiliate of the Dallas Stars. As Iowa’s only professional hockey team, the team attracted over 220,000 fans to Wells Fargo Arena and the surrounding businesses in its first year alone. The team is heavily focused on community development through team appearances, youth leagues, and charitable events. The players and mascot make appearances all around town at schools, libraries, hospitals, and Corporate Partner and charity events. In June 2008, the team signed a new affiliation agreement with the 2007 NHL Stanley Cup Champion, Anaheim Ducks, who promised a tougher style of hockey and focus on a minor league system that is focused on developing a winning attitude. On July 9, 2008 the team was renamed the Iowa Chops and will begin their first season of play in 2008-09.
