ValleyCats adopt Rowdy The Rat

TROY, N.Y. - The Tri-City ValleyCats, Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, have announced the adoption of former Albany River Rats American Hockey League mascot, Rowdy The Rat. He will be formally introduced on June 18th when the ValleyCats take on the Connecticut Tigers on Opening Night at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.

Rowdy, who has made his home in Albany since 1993, was left behind when the Albany River Rats franchise announced its relocation to Charlotte, North Carolina, following the conclusion of the 2009-2010 season.

VCN (ValleyCats Network) produced a four part mini-series chronicling Rowdy's journey from River Rat to ValleyCat. The segments can be viewed online, on the ValleyCats Network page.

To celebrate Rowdy's adoption, the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society and NEWS10's Pet Connection with Steve Caporizzo will be teaming up for SEFCU Bark in the Park / Animal Appreciation Night on August 11th at "The Joe." Rowdy will be presented with his own ValleyCats hockey jersey on an upcoming edition of Pet Connection.

Tickets for the 2010 season are on sale now and can be purchased at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium Box Office, or online anytime at www.tcvalleycats.com. For more information or to order tickets, call (518) 629-2287