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It is an historic and proud day for the Adirondack
Phantoms who have announced they will host and play
their first ever outdoor game in franchise history.
The Phantoms will be part of the NHL Winter Classic
week-long celebration of hockey when they play the
Hershey Bears at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia,
PA, on Friday, January 6.
"This is an extremely exciting day for the
Phantoms organization and Phantoms fans everywhere,"
said Phantoms President Rob Brooks. "A hockey
celebration and atmosphere unlike anything the AHL
has ever seen will happen at Citizens Bank Park.
We are extremely grateful to (Comcast Spectacor
President) Peter Luukko for helping make this truly
great event a reality."
It was also announced that the Philadelphia Flyers
will play the New York Rangers in the NHL's annual
Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park on Monday,
January 2. This is the fifth NHL Winter Classic
but the first ever to also feature an AHL outdoor
game as part of the festivities.
"The American Hockey League has a strong following
in the region and it will be a terrific experience
for Pennsylvania hockey fans as the historic Phantoms-Bears
rivalry is renewed outdoors at Citizens Bank Park,"
said David Andrews, AHL President and Chief Executive
Officer.
"We are thrilled to join with the Philadelphia
Flyers in adding AHL hockey to their outdoor showcase."
The Phantoms and Bears will also wear specially
designed jerseys honoring the significance of the
Outdoor Classic, similar to the fantastic jerseys
the NHL teams have worn in their Winter Classic
games.
It will be an especially memorable event for the
players themselves who will have the honor of getting
to skate on this incredible night. Many of the players
grew up with frozen ponds in their backyards where
they would play for hours on end. The Outdoor Classic
is an homage to those youthful hockey experiences.
For these players to now get to play outdoors in
front of a huge crowd at a major league stadium
is truly once-in-a-lifetime stuff which all will
surely remember as an all-time highlight of their
careers.
"This will be a terrific opportunity for hockey
fans throughout Philadelphia to see the future prospects
of the Flyers in a truly unique setting," said
Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. "We're
very excited to add a Phantoms regular season game
to our week-long celebration of the Winter Classic
being in Philadelphia. We look forward to working
with both (owners) Rob and Jim Brooks in bringing
the Phantoms back to Philadelphia for this truly
special night."
This will be the third outdoor game in AHL history;
The Syracuse Crunch hosted the Binghamton Senators
on February 20, 2010 at the New York State Fairgrounds
in front of 21,508 fans. The Connecticut Whale hosted
the Providence Bruins on February 19, 2011 at Rentschler
Field in East Hartford, CT breaking the league's
attendance record with 21,673.
"It is exciting to have a chance to break the
league attendance record," Brooks said. "In
fact, that is our goal and we absolutely believe
it will happen. Fans will want to be there just
to soak in the magical atmosphere and to be a part
of history!"
Citizens Bank Park is the major league baseball
home of the Philadelphia Phillies and will have
a seating capacity of approximately 40,000.
Details on how to purchase tickets for the Outdoor
Classic will be available soon. One way to be guaranteed
a ticket is to become a Phantoms season ticket holder.
Mark your calendars! Adirondack Phantoms Opening
Night is Saturday, October 8. The Phantoms take
on the Connecticut Whale to begin the third season
of exciting Phantoms hockey in Glens Falls. Get
great savings and have fun with your friends, family
or co-workers by bringing your group of 15 or more
fans to enjoy fast-paced, hard-hitting Phantoms
hockey. Call the Phantoms to find out more at 518-480-3355
and check the team's website at phantomshockey.com.
Follow the Phantoms on twitter @phantomshockey
and on facebook.com/adkhockey
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