SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League today announced that the Stockton Heat will host the Bakersfield Condors in an outdoor regular-season game on Friday, December 18, at Raley Field in West Sacramento, Calif.
The game will be the highlight of the Golden State Hockey Rush, an event being hosted by Entercom Communications Sacramento, Raley Field and RS Ice Sports & Entertainment as part of the “Biggest Show on Snow” – a six-week holiday extravaganza at Raley Field from Nov. 20, 2015 to Jan. 3, 2016.
The Heat and the Condors are two of five new California-based entries joining the AHL for the 2015-16 season as part of the creation of a Pacific Division. Stockton is the top development affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames; Bakersfield is the top affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers.
“This event will be a special showcase for our Pacific Division in its inaugural season,” said David Andrews, AHL President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to this celebration of hockey outdoors and to sharing the experience with the terrific hockey fans in Northern California.”
The concept and mission of the Golden State Hockey Rush is to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to actively participate in a number of hockey- and winter-themed events. In addition to the game between the Heat and the Condors, which is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on Dec. 18, the “Biggest Show on Snow” will include a number of other attractions, including the “Monster Ice Slide,” public holiday skating, theme nights with Entercom Communications radio stations, Santa Claus picture opportunities, rides, arts and crafts, a Christmas tree lot, and much more. Also, amateur teams from all levels and from across California will be participating in the first-ever Golden State Hockey Rush Holiday Tournament.
The Biggest Show on Snow will benefit the Treat ’em Like a King (TLK) Foundation. The TLK Foundation, which was founded by former Sacramento Kings basketball player Harold Pressley, serves disadvantaged youth by hosting a variety of programs and events to develop and reinforce positive character traits and life skills.
Tickets for the AHL outdoor game at Raley Field – the eighth outdoor game in AHL history – will go on sale Saturday, Sept. 5, at www.raleyfield.com.
In operation since 1936 and celebrating its 80th-anniversary season in 2015-16, the American Hockey League continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 88 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the 14th year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2014-15.
AHL Outdoor Game History
Feb. 20, 2010 – Syracuse vs. Binghamton, New York State Fairgrounds (Syracuse, N.Y.)
Feb. 19, 2011 – Connecticut vs. Providence, Rentschler Field (East Hartford, Conn.)
Jan. 6, 2012 – Adirondack vs. Hershey, Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Jan. 21, 2012 – Hamilton vs. Toronto, Ivor Wynne Stadium (Hamilton, Ont.)
Jan. 20, 2013 – Hershey vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Hersheypark Stadium (Hershey, Pa.)
Dec. 13, 2013 – Rochester vs. Lake Erie, Frontier Field (Rochester, N.Y.)
Dec. 30, 2013 – Grand Rapids vs. Toronto, Comerica Park (Detroit, Mich.)
Dec. 18, 2015 – Stockton vs. Bakersfield, Raley Field (West Sacramento, Calif.)
