RoughRiders introduce half of ownership group

They waited patiently while potential deals with other suitors fell through.

But when Jeff Jauch, Tony Sdao and the other members of Newco Riders, LLC finally got their chance to buy the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, they seized it. And now they're determined to make the most of it.

Jauch and Sdao were introduced during a press conference Thursday at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena as part of a six-member group that has purchased the 10-year-old junior hockey club from Mercantile Capital Partners of Chicago. RoughRiders head coach and general manager Mark Carlson also is part of Newco Riders, LLC.

The names of the other three investors will remain confidential for now because they have sons that could eventually play in the United States Hockey League. There is no majority owner.

"It's a dream and absolute privilege to be here," said Jauch, who will be the club's president and CEO.

"Our group is very solid and committed," Sdao said. "We have been looking for this opportunity for approximately 20 years. It has always been one of our goals to be a part of junior hockey."

Jauch is a Madison, Wis., area businessman who is the son of former University of Iowa football running back and assistant coach Ray Jauch. Sdao, also a businessman, is a native Canadian who is based in Naples, Fla.

RoughRiders fans might remember his son, Michael Sdao, who played this past season with the USHL's Lincoln Stars and who was a main combatant in an ugly line brawl during a game at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. Michael Sdao tried to incite the local fans that night by raising his arms in mock victory as he skated to the penalty box.

Now his dad is hoping his ownership group can curry significant favor with them - and find new ones.

"Our pursuit of this franchise began four years ago, observing Mark Carlson at various tryout camps, wanting to get to know him," Sdao said. "The ownership group had visited this rink, watched a game here and fell in love with this city, fell in love with the fans."

Sdao said he introduced himself to Carlson and told him of his group's interest to buy the franchise, but only if Carlson would stick around. The group watched as three other individuals tried and failed over the past year and a half to buy the team.

Newco Riders, LLC has come to an agreement with the city on an amended lease that will keep the team in the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena through 2020. In exchange for lower annual lease payments and part of concessions money, the group will spend over $500,000 for improvements at the Arena, including the installation of a Jumbotron scoreboard and media screens, as well as the construction of new locker rooms.

"The lease is a big part of it, obviously," Jauch said. "You've got to have a viable business. We feel we can do that. I go back to the thing that makes organizations good and great, and teams great. I'm not here for the self gratification of Jeff Jauch. I'm here for the organization. I always tell everybody to check your egos at the door when you come into work. It's about the benefit of the organization, it's about creating a connection with the community ... and it's about a connection with the businesses. That's what's going to make us successful."

Carlson, who has led the RoughRiders to nine straight playoff berths and a Clark Cup championship in 2005, signed a 10-year coaching contract extension at Thursday's press conference. He said the possibility of being part of the ownership group was first discussed this spring.

"Certainly being an owner will not change the way I do anything with the team," he said. "I've always had so much pride in this program, the RoughRiders and the city of Cedar Rapids. As I've said numerous times, I've kind of grown up here in a way. I came here when I was 29 years old to start this team from scratch. Ten years later, I'm still here. And I'm still here because this is a great place. It's a great town, great people, a great facility, a tremendous league."

Jauch said he is in the process of tying up some loose ends with his business in Madison and will move with his family to Cedar Rapids as soon as possible to begin his front-office duties. He and Carlson have been appointed managing partners of Newco Riders, LLC.

"Winning, that's Mark's business, something he's already been able to establish," Jauch said. "From the business side, we want to create for the fans the best entertainment for their dollar. That's what it's really about."

"It's a special day today," Carlson said. "I think when you get right down to it, we're finally able to replace the word 'uncertainty' with the word 'stability.'"