The new voice of the team, Alex Kyrias, could do the same - although he doesn't think that will happen.

The Lynx are expected to announce today that Kyrias, a one-time ECHL backup goalie, has been hired as Augusta's new director of broadcasting and public relations.

"I was on the worst team in the men's league here in Dallas, getting shelled every night, and I was let go by the director in favor of some younger guys. So having been fired from a men's league team, I don't know that I'll be putting on the pads anymore," said Kyrias, 34. "It would be pretty comical. I'll definitely be behind the mic from here on out."

A standout goalie at the University of Indiana and a Greenville Grrrowl backup in the 1998-1999 season, Kyrias (pronounced "curious") spent the past five seasons as play-by-play man for the Texas Tornado of the North American Hockey League, a junior circuit.

Lynx general manager and co-owner Dan Troutman said Kyrias was the team's first choice to replace Callahan, who's working for the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League.

"He was No. 1 on our list, so we're extremely happy to land him. We couldn't be happier," Troutman said. "I believe we are getting one of the more enthusiastic and up-and-coming broadcasting talents in hockey."

Kyrias set numerous goaltending records for the Hoosiers from 1993-97. After college, Kyrias spent time as a back-up for the now-defunct Grrrowl, and later went back to Indiana University to serve as general manager and associate coach for the men's hockey team from 1998 until 2002.

"Having played hockey for 24 years, I think that really helps the broadcast end of things," Kyrias said Tuesday. "Obviously there are some shoes to fill. I'm just going to do what I've been doing, which is 100 percent energy.

"I just love hockey, pure and simple. I live it and breathe it, and I'll bring that energy to the broadcasts."

Reach Steve Sanders at (706) 823-3216
 

   Augusta Georgia Lynx  http://augustalynx.com//

June 20, 2007 - The Augusta Lynx are pleased to announce that Alex Kyrias has been named the new “Voice of the Lynx,” as well as the team’s Director of Broadcasting and Public Relations. Kyrias replaces former Lynx broadcaster Tom Callahan, who recently accepted a similar position with the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League. “I believe we are getting one of the more enthusiastic and up-and-coming broadcasting talents in hockey,” said Lynx General Manager Dan Troutman. “We are very excited to have Alex join our staff and we believe our fans will really take an immediate liking to his energetic style.”

Kyrias, 34, comes to the Lynx after serving as the Vice-President of Communications and play-by-play voice for the Texas Tornado of the North American Hockey League for the past five seasons. “I am extremely excited about this great opportunity to be in the ECHL with the Augusta Lynx,” said Kyrias. “This is an exciting new chapter for me and I can’t wait to get started. I am very thankful to the Texas Tornado organization for providing me with a wonderful chance the past five years to grow and develop both professionally and personally.”

During his tenure in Texas, Kyrias called three consecutive National Championship games (2004, 2005, 2006), all of which the Tornado won. In 2005, Kyrias was a finalist for the Call of the Year Award on the Bob and Dan Radio Show on Sports Radio 1310AM The Ticket, and also was behind the microphone for the 2005 NAHL All-Star Game. In 2006, Kyrias was honored with the MDA Muscle Team Texas Tornado Meritorious Award, honoring his commitment and excellence in sports and the community.

Kyrias earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Communications from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where he also set numerous goaltending records playing hockey for the Hoosiers from 1993-97. After college, Kyrias spent limited time as a back-up goaltender for the ECHL’s Greenville Growl during the Fall of 1998, and later went back to Indiana University to serve as the General Manager and Associate Coach for the men’s hockey team from 1998-02. Prior to joining the Tornado in 2002, Kyrias served as Vice-President for the American Collegiate Hockey Association.

Posted By Marc Foster to Junior Hockey Blog  June 20, 2007

Texas Tornado Vice-President of Communications Alex "Cheeks" Kyrias has left the franchise to assume a similar position with the ECHL

Obviously, this will illicit both boos and cheers around the league. Tornado fans will undoubtedly miss Kyrias, while fans of opposing teams will rejoice in the departure the voice of a franchise that has been the big bully of the league for several years until recently dethroned. Kyrias had a style that simultaneously energized his fanbase while alienating fans of other teams. Alex is a friend of mine and I've had the privilege of sharing the broadcast booth with him on several occasions, most notably when the Tornado hosted Nationals in 2004. Alex is a homer to be sure, and I don't think he's ashamed to admit it. The home team pays the bills and by-golly he's going to call the game for the home team. At the same time, he's willing to tap on the brakes a bit when the Tornado weren't up to standards on a given night.

So... Alex is moving up. Congrats Alex.
 

Take it away, Alex!