NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX – Communications Manager Walt Ruff has accepted a job as the Director of Media Relations with the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL. His primary role in Norfolk, Virginia will be running the team’s social media accounts and website, working with the local media, managing the press box on game nights, and developing game notes.
The Admirals are a professional hockey organization who competes in the same league as Texas’s own Allen Americans. The entire Brahmas front office staff wishes Walt the best of luck with his new position in Virginia.
Starting as an intern, Walt came to Brahmaland looking to improve the team’s social media presence and broadcast, but he ended up contributing much more than that. Whether it was organizing community appearances, creating graphics for the Brahmas and NYTEX Sports, spearheading promotional nights, heading the Kraft Hockeyville campaign, working with corporate sponsors, or interacting with the Brahmas fan base, Walt made sure he represented the Brahmas proudly.
Just like the players, the front office is also looking to advance to the next level of hockey and Walt needed just 11 months with the Brahmas organization to accomplish that. The Temple University graduate will start working in Norfolk on September 1. Here is a final message from Walt to the entire Brahmas family:
“It was an incredible year here with the Brahmas and I really cannot thank the entire organization enough. I moved across the country to be an unpaid intern for the entire season in a largely unknown role but by the end of the year I became known for dawning themed suits, being featured on every broadcast, and having a large hand in the team’s social media.
I will never be able to repay the staff that has granted me all of these opportunities, starting from the top with owners Frank and Sal Trazzera. They were the one’s who made accomplishing my first job in the hockey world possible. Thank you to Vice President Chad Siewert, who is an unbelievable supporter of my work and is the undoubted backbone of this organization. It was a privilege working under him.
Additionally, a large amount of work I was able to complete would not have been possible without the approval of coaches Dan Wildfong, Jeff Potter, and Al Rooney. Without them allowing me access to feel comfortable in the locker room, a great deal of my work would not have been able to be possible.
Thank you to my mentor, partner and crime, and now brother for life, Director of Broadcasting Nick Marek. It was the utmost honor to work alongside you every day and accomplish our goal of becoming the best media team in the North American Hockey League. From the 15-hour days, to late-night road trips from game-to-game, we were able to push each other’s work to the next level, all while laughing along the way.
Lastly, thank you to the fans, which welcomed me with open arms into the Brahmaland family. You embraced the young man who showed up in a suit covered in $100 Bills on Opening Night and made this a desirable work atmosphere. I have made friendships that will last the rest of my lifetime here in Texas and I hope you all had half as much fun as I did.”
LISTEN TO WALT’S FINAL INSIDE THE BULLPEN PODCAST EPISODE.
* Walt reflects a little more on his time in Brahmaland and gets ready for the next opportunity ahead. *