The 2008 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Reebok is just over a week away and the schedule of events throughout the weekend will keep all the fans busy.
Whether it’s the Hockey Hall of Fame AHL All-Star Luncheon at the Binghamton University Events Center or the Post-Skills Party at the Holiday Inn Arena, fans have various social events to choose from.
“This is much more than a hockey game, it’s a destination,” said Tom Mitchell, B-Sens executive vice president of operations. “The All-Star weekend in Binghamton is packed full of exciting events for fans of all ages to enjoy.”
The following is a list of events with times and locations, including tickets prices, for the entire weekend:
Sunday, Jan. 27 – 5:00 p.m. – Mascot Parade
The Mascot Parade will kick-off the All-Star weekend. City of Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan and mascots from around the AHL, along with local youth hockey players, will lead the parade. The parade will also include a Zamboni, fire trucks and contest vans from several local radio stations.
The parade will start at the Holiday Inn Arena and proceed north to the corner of Court and Water, then make a right and head east on Court Street to State Street. The parade will head south on State Street and conclude at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.
Mayor Ryan will cut a ceremonial ribbon at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena to signify the beginning of the All-Star Classic.
Sunday, Jan. 27 – 7:00 p.m. – 2008 CCM AHL All-Star Skills Competition
A limited number of tickets ($58 sides seats, $56 end seats) are still available at the Binghamton Senators office (3rd floor Arena), by calling (607) 722-SENS, or on ticketmaster.com… All-Star Ticket packages grant access to both the Skills Competition (Sunday, Jan. 27) and the All-Star Game (Monday, Jan. 28)
All-Stars from both teams, PlanetUSA and Canada, along with four local youth hockey players will compete in seven different events. The players’ skill, speed and strength will be on display for the fans during each event.
The Skills Competition gives the fans a chance to get up close and personal with the players, as the protective glass is removed from the sides of the rink for the event.
The seven events that comprise the Skills Competition are as follows:
1. InGlasCo Puck Control Relay
2. CCM U+ Skate Fastest Skater
3. CCM U+ Stick Rapid Fire
4. Rbk O-Stick Hardest Shot
5. Rbk Sickick Stick Accuracy Shooting
6. Rbk 9K Pump Skate Pass and Score
7. Toyota Breakaway Relay
Immediately following the Skills Competition awards ceremony, All-Star players will take part in an autograph session for 15 minutes along the arena sides where the glass is down.
Sunday, Jan. 27 – 9:00 p.m. – Fireworks
As fans exit the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena following the Skills Competition, they’ll be treated to a fireworks show outside the Arena.
Fans should direct their attention south (towards the river) as they exit the building to watch the fireworks display.
Sunday, Jan. 27 – 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. – Post-Skills Party @ Holiday Inn Arena
Tickets ($25 per person) are available at the Binghamton Senators office (3rd floor Arena), by calling (607) 722-SENS, or on ticketmaster.com The Post-Skills Party gives fans the chance to socialize with the players, league officials from both the AHL and NHL, and other various dignitaries.
Local musical favorite Splash will provide the entertainment at the party. Food and beverages will be served throughout the night.
Monday, Jan. 28 – 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Hockey Hockey Hall of Fame AHL All-Star Classic Luncheon
@ Binghamton University Events Center, Vestal, N.Y.
Tickets ($65 per person) are available at the Binghamton Senators office (3rd floor Arena), by calling (607) 722-SENS, or on ticketmaster.com
The American Hockey League will enshrine the class of 2008, which includes Steve Kraftcheck, Noel Price and Tim Tookey. Emile Francis will serve as the Hockey Hall of Fame Honoree. Former Binghamton Whalers head coach Larry Pleau will serve as Honorary Captain for the PlanetUSA AHL All-Stars and former Binghamton Dusters and Whalers goaltender Ken Holland will serve as Honorary Captain for the Canadian AHL All-Stars.
All players participating in the 2008 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Reebok will be on hand at the Luncheon, along with hundreds of fans to pay tribute to the newest Hall of Fame class. The luncheon consists of a served meal along with the induction speeches from the Hall of Fame members.
Monday, Jan. 28 – 7:00 p.m. – 2008 AHL All-Star Game
A limited number of tickets ($58 sides seats, $56 end seats) are still available at the Binghamton Senators office (3rd floor Arena), by calling (607) 722-SENS, or on ticketmaster.com… All-Star Ticket packages grant access to both the Skills Competition (Sunday, Jan. 27) and the All-Star Game (Monday, Jan. 28)
The All-Star Classic culminates on Monday night with the 2008 AHL All-Star Game. Fans will watch the best young hockey players in the world and future NHL stars compete in the All-Star Game.
Three Binghamton Senators are represented: Denis Hamel (Canadian captain), Lawrence Nycholat (Canadian) and Brian Lee (PlanetUSA).
The AHL All-Star Classic broadcast will be available to over 100 million homes across the United States and Canada, and will be webcast live worldwide on the internet.
Of the 427 players to take part in the AHL All-Star Classic since 1995, more than 93 percent have competed in the National Hockey League, including Patrice Bergeron, Brad Boyes, Daniel Briere, Zdeno Chara, Jonathan Cheechoo, Pavol Demitra, Rick DiPietro, Patrik Elias, Ray Emery, Jiri Hudler, Miikka Kiprusoff, Kari Lehtonen, Ryan Miller, Martin St. Louis, Jason Spezza, Eric Staal and Steve Sullivan.
