’04 All-Star dates set

The Grand Rapids Griffins and the American Hockey League today announced the dates for the 2004 AHL All-Star Classic, which was awarded to the Griffins and the city of Grand Rapids last month.

The two-day event at Van Andel Arena will consist of the AHL All-Star Skills Competition on Sunday, Feb. 8, followed by the AHL All-Star Game on Monday, Feb. 9.

A full list of AHL All-Star Classic events and times, including the annual Hockey Hall of Fame/AHL All-Star Luncheon, will be announced at a later date.

Griffins season ticket holders will receive ticket information for the 2004 AHL All-Star Classic in their renewal packets that will be mailed later this month. Ticket sales to the general public will commence in August.

Of the 295 players to take part in the AHL All-Star Classic since 1995, more than 90 percent have competed in the NHL, including Tyler Arnason, Eric Boguniecki, Valeri Bure, Anson Carter, Pavol Demitra, J.P. Dumont, Mike Dunham, Patrik Elias, Martin Lapointe, Mattias Norstrom, Steve Sullivan and Jason Williams.