2014 Green Bay Blizzard season

The 2014 Green Bay Blizzard season was the team's twelfth season as a professional indoor football franchise and fifth in the Indoor Football League (IFL).[1] One of nine teams competing in the IFL for the 2014 season, the Green Bay Blizzard were members of the United Conference.[2] The team played their home games at the Resch Center in the Green Bay suburb of Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin.[3]

2014 Green Bay Blizzard season
OwnerLarry and Kathy Treankler
Head coachChad Baldwin (games (1–6)
Tommie Williams (games 1–7)
Home fieldResch Center
1901 South Oneida Street
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304
Results
Record2-12
Conference place5th United

The Blizzard began the 2014 season under head coach Chad Baldwin.[3] After the team began the season 0–6, Baldwin was replaced by offensive coordinator Tommie Williams for the remainder of the season.[4]

History

The Blizzard struggled during the 2013 season, replacing head coach Robert Fuller after six games with Chad Baldwin and ending the regular season with a 4–10 record.[3][5][6] The team did not qualify for the playoffs but drew an average attendance of 3,812 for their seven regular season games.[7]

After failing to turn reach certain unspecified "financial benchmarks", three of the four principal owners of the team agreed to place the Green Bay franchise for sale in late June 2013.[7] If a new owner was not found by September 1, 2013, the franchise planned to suspend operations for the 2014 IFL season.[8] On September 19, local business people Larry and Kathy Treankler were announced as the new principal owners of the Blizzard with former Green Bay Packers star Ahman Green remaining as a co-owner.[1][9][10]

Off-field moves

The team has scheduled a series of promotional events for the 2014 season. These include St. Patrick's Day Hat on March 16, Youth Jersey Night on April 12, Bart Starr Bobblehead Night on May 3, Military Appreciation and Youth Hat Night on May 17, and Receiver Glove Night on May 31.[11]

In mid-April, the team fired head coach Chad Baldwin after the Blizzard lost their first six games of the 2014 season. Baldwin amassed a 3–11 record at Green Bay after taking over from Robert Fuller under similar circumstances the previous season. The team promoted offensive coordinator Tommie Williams to head coach as Baldwin's replacement.[4]

Roster moves

In late January 2014, the Blizzard announced the re-signing of offensive linemen William Maxwell and Tyler Hendrickson plus linebacker Derek Earls for the 2014 season.[12]

Awards and honors

On February 26, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 1 Players of the Week. Honorable Mentions were made for quarterback Taylor Perkins for offense and wide receiver/kick returner Donte Sawyer for special teams play.[13]

On March 12, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 3 Players of the Week. Green Bay Blizzard running back Lucien Walker received an Honorable Mention for offense.[14] On March 19, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 4 Players of the Week. Green Bay Blizzard defensive back James Ackel received an Honorable Mention for defense.[15] On March 26, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 5 Players of the Week. Green Bay Blizzard linebacker Derek Earls received an Honorable Mention for defense.[16]

On April 2, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 6 Players of the Week. Green Bay Blizzard wide receiver Andre London and quarterback Nate Wara each received an Honorable Mention for offense. Wide receiver/kick returner Daron Clark received an Honorable Mention for special teams play.[17] On April 16, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 8 Players of the Week. Green Bay Blizzard running back Lucien Walker received his second Honorable Mention for offense.[18] On April 23, 2014, the IFL announced its Week 9 Players of the Week. Green Bay Blizzard quarterback Nate Wara received an Honorable Mention for offense.[19]

Schedule

Key:   Win   Tie   Loss   Bye

Regular season
Week Day Date Kickoff Opponent[2] Results Location
Score Record
1 Saturday February 22 7:00pm at Bemidji Axemen L 36–40[20][21] 0–1 Sanford Center[12][22][23]
2 BYE
3 Saturday March 8 7:05pm at Cedar Rapids Titans L 13–35[24][25][26] 0–2 U.S. Cellular Center[27]
4 Sunday March 16 3:00pm Cedar Rapids Titans L 39–58[28][29][30] 0–3 Resch Center
5 Sunday March 23 7:00pm at Texas Revolution L 40–57[31][32][33] 0–4 Allen Event Center
6 Sunday March 30 4:05pm at Sioux Falls Storm L 42–86[34][35][36] 0–5 Sioux Falls Arena[37]
7 BYE
8 Saturday April 12 7:00pm Sioux Falls Storm L 47–78[38][39][40] 0–6 Resch Center
9 Saturday April 19 7:00pm Tri-Cities Fever L 62–73[41][42][43] 0–7 Resch Center[44]
10 Friday April 25♥ 7:05pm at Bemidji Axemen L 36–42 0–8 Sanford Center[45][46]
11 Saturday May 3 7:00pm Bemidji Axemen L 61–66 0–9 Resch Center
12 BYE
13 Saturday May 17 7:00pm Nebraska Danger L 44–56 0–10 Resch Center
14 Friday May 23 7:05pm at Cedar Rapids Titans L 37–47 0–11 U.S. Cellular Center
15 Saturday May 31 7:00pm Cedar Rapids Titans W 59-40 1–11 Resch Center
16 Saturday June 7 6:00pm at Colorado Ice L 47–49 1–12 Budweiser Events Center
17 Friday June 13 7:30pm Bemidji Axemen W 52–35 2–12 Resch Center

♥ Rescheduled from April 26 due to arena scheduling conflicts[45]

Roster
2014 Green Bay Blizzard roster
Quarterback
  • 12 Nate Wara

Running Back

  • 34 Lucien Walker

Wide Receiver

  •  8 Avonte Jones
  •  6 Andre London
  •  1 Donte Sawyer
  • 15 Marquel Willis
Offensive Linemen
  • 77 William Maxwell
  • 69 Aneus Ruiz
  • 70 Dylan Waupoose
  • 55 Larry Westphal

Defensive Linemen

  • 92 Kyle Patterson
  • 66 Edward Smith
Linebacker
  • 50 Jamil Moore

Defensive Back

  • 24 James Ackel
  •  9 Orkeys Auriene
  • 18 Nicolas Bonte
  • 21 Dontrell Johnson
  •  5 Alex McCray
  • 13 Demetrius Stone

Kicker

  • 19 Adrian Trevino
Injured Reserve
  • 69 Kris Cavitt OL
  • 10 Allen Daniels WR
  • 42 Derek Earls LB
  • 21 George Ortiz DB
  •  4 Markeith Summers WR
  •  2 Mark Watley DB

Exempt List

  • 11 Shawn Plummer DB

Refused to Report

  • -- Jeremy Jester LB

Rookies in italics
Roster updated June 4, 2014
23 Active, 10 Inactive

→ More rosters

Standings
2014 United Conference
W L T PCT PF PA GB STK
y - Sioux Falls Storm 1310.9297545000.0L1
x - Cedar Rapids Titans 1130.7866895972.0W2
Bemidji Axemen 590.3575926248.0L5
Texas Revolution 3110.21453264110.0L2
Green Bay Blizzard 2120.14361576911.0W1

References
  1. Pekarek, Andrew (February 18, 2014). "New Blizzard owner Treankler has faith in team's future; Area businessman, wife buy IFL team, save it from folding". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  2. "2014 Regular Season Schedule Released". Indoor Football League. October 18, 2013. Archived from the original on October 23, 2013. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  3. "Indoor football: Baldwin returning to the Blizzard". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. October 9, 2013. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  4. "Blizzard fires coach Baldwin after 0-6 start". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. April 15, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  5. "Indoor Football League: Cedar Rapids' rally sinks the Blizzard; Titans score 16 straight points to reclaim lead". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. June 8, 2013. Retrieved June 13, 2013.
  6. Pekarek, Andrew (June 15, 2013). "Blizzard finale delayed by player shortfall". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. Retrieved July 17, 2013. The Blizzard drew 3,035 fans Saturday, giving it an average of 3,810 for its seven home games.
  7. Pekarek, Andrew (July 16, 2013). "Indoor football: Financial struggles have plagued Blizzard from start". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. Retrieved July 17, 2013.
  8. Pekarek, Andrew (July 17, 2013). "Blizzard struggles for viability in wild world of indoor football". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
  9. Pekarek, Andrew (September 4, 2013). "Blizzard plans return for 2014 IFL season with new investor on board". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  10. "Indoor football: Blizzard announces new principal owners". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. September 19, 2013. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  11. "2014 Blizzard Schedule". Green Bay Blizzard. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  12. "Indoor football: Blizzard re-signs three players". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. January 28, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  13. "Kickoff Weekend Players of the Week Announced". Indoor Football League. February 26, 2014. Archived from the original on March 1, 2014. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
  14. "Week 3 IFL Players of the Week Announced". Indoor Football League. March 12, 2014. Archived from the original on March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 16, 2014.
  15. "Week 4 IFL Players of the Week Announced". Indoor Football League. March 19, 2014. Archived from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  16. "Week 5 IFL Players of the Week Announced". Indoor Football League. March 26, 2014. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  17. "Week 6 IFL Players of the Week Announced". Indoor Football League. April 2, 2014. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2014.
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  19. "Week 9 IFL Players of the Week Announced". Indoor Football League. April 23, 2014. Archived from the original on April 23, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
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  23. Hittinger, Jack (February 21, 2014). "AXEMEN: Regular season campaign begins today". The Bemidji Pioneer. Bemidji, MN: Forum Communications. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  24. Davis, Jeremiah (March 8, 2014). "C.R. Titans ride run game to first regular season win". The Gazette. Cedar Rapids, IA. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
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  26. "Indoor football: Titans run past Blizzard". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. March 8, 2014. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
  27. Davis, Jeremiah (March 7, 2014). "C.R. Titans working on timing as season gets rolling". The Gazette. Cedar Rapids, IA. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
  28. "Cedar Rapids Titans vs. Green Bay Blizzard at Green Bay, WI - 3/15/14 at 3:00 PM". Indoor Football League. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  29. Fischer, Stephen (March 16, 2014). "IFL: Blizzard unable to overcome early deficit in season opener". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  30. Bates, Greg (March 16, 2014). "Ohm carries Titans to win at Green Bay". The Gazette. Cedar Rapids, IA. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  31. "Green Bay Blizzard vs. Texas Revolution at Allen, TX - 3/23/14 at 4:00 PM". Indoor Football League. March 23, 2014. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
  32. "IFL: Blizzard drop 4th straight". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. March 23, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
  33. "Texas Revolution wins second indoor football league game of season". The Dallas Morning News. Dallas, TX: A. H. Belo. March 24, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  34. "Green Bay Blizzard vs. Sioux Falls Storm at Sioux Falls, SD - 3/30/2014 at 4:05 PM". Indoor Football League. March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  35. Zimmer, Matt (March 31, 2014). "Storm offense explodes in blowout win over Green Bay". Argus Leader. Sioux Falls, SD: Gannett Company. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
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  37. Zimmer, Matt (March 30, 2014). "Storm gear up for Green Bay before strange schedule hits". Argus Leader. Sioux Falls, SD: Gannett Company. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  38. "Sioux Falls Storm vs. Green Bay Blizzard at Green Bay, WI - 4/12/14 at 7:00 PM". Indoor Football League. April 12, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2014.
  39. "Sports briefs: Dixon throws eight TDs in Storm win". Argus Leader. Sioux Falls, SD: Gannett Company. April 12, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  40. "Indoor football: Unbeaten Sioux Falls rolls past 0-6 Blizzard". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. April 12, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2014.
  41. "Tri-Cities Fever vs. Green Bay Blizzard at Green Bay, WI - 4/19/14 at 7:00 PM". Indoor Football League. April 19, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2014.
  42. "Fever top Green Bay, snap 5 game skid". Tri-City Herald. Kennewick, WA: McClatchy. April 19, 2014. Archived from the original on April 23, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  43. "Blizzard rally comes up short against Fever". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Green Bay, WI: Gannett Company. April 19, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  44. Morrow, Jeff (April 18, 2014). "Fever hope to get healthy at Green Bay". Tri-City Herald. Kennewick, WA: McClatchy. Archived from the original on April 23, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  45. "Bemidji Axemen game moved up a day". The Bemidji Pioneer. Bemidji, MN: Forum Communications. March 24, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2014.
  46. Berg, Alex (April 24, 2014). "Receiver Balentine has offered versatility to Axemen". The Bemidji Pioneer. Bemidji, MN: Forum Communications. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
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