TORONTO, Ont. … American Hockey League President and Chief Executive Officer David Andrews announced today that the Toronto Marlies will host an exhibition game against Färjestad BK at Ricoh Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014. Face-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
The exhibition with the Marlies will conclude Färjestad’s visit to North America, which also features their participation in the 2014 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Assante Wealth Management in St. John’s, N.L., Feb. 11-12.
“I would like to extend thanks on behalf of the AHL to Färjestad BK, the Swedish Hockey League and the Toronto Marlies organization for helping to create this opportunity for another showcase event for our league,” said Andrews. “This game is a unique opportunity perfectly suited for the world’s premier hockey city.”
Tickets for this special event will be available to Marlies season seat holders from 2 p.m. ET today until 5 p.m. ET Wednesday. Season seat holders will receive an e-mail from the organization with further details. Tickets will go on sale to the public Thursday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased by calling the Marlies’ ticket line at 416-597-PUCK (7825) or by visiting marlies.ca. Ticket prices will remain consistent with Marlies regular-season prices.
“This game will serve as a great experience for all of our players, especially our young prospects who have recently turned pro,” said Dave Poulin, Vice President of Hockey Operations, Toronto Maple Leafs, and General Manager, Toronto Marlies. “We’re thrilled to host a game of this magnitude and look forward to providing an exciting atmosphere and a competitive game for our fans at Ricoh Coliseum.”
“This game will be an exciting event for our staff and players to be a part of,” said Marlies head coach Steve Spott. “Competing internationally, whether in tournament play or an exhibition game, is always a valuable experience.”
Färjestad BK will be the first Swedish Hockey League club ever to compete in North America. Founded in 1932 and based in the city of Karlstad, Sweden, Färjestad BK – led by team CEO Håkan Loob – is one of the most successful franchises in all of European hockey, playing in 19 league finals and winning nine Swedish league championships, including four since 2002.
“To come and play the Marlies in Toronto will be great,” said Loob. “Toronto has been the ‘hockey town’ of the world for most Swedes since Börje Salming’s days in the early 70’s. We are very excited to represent the SHL in the All-Star Classic and then against one of the AHL’s top teams.”
In operation since 1936, the American Hockey League continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 87 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the 12th year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2012-13.
