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Pirates Set to Kick off 2010-11 Season

October 8, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


PORTLAND, ME - The Portland Pirates open their 18th season of competition, the 34th season of AHL action at the Cumberland County Civic Center tomorrow (Saturday) when the Manchester Monarchs visit the Cumberland County Civic Center for a 7 p.m. contest. Join the Pirates for the first Bud Light Hockey Night in Portland game of the season. The first 2,500 fans into the game receive a free Pirates magnetic schedule courtesy of JobsInME.com, the "Official Job Board" of the Pirates and the first 5,000 fans receive a free Portland Press Herald Pirates Preview Section.

Kicking off the new season on a high note, against their rival who knocked them out of the Calder Cup playoffs last season, will be a high priority for the Pirates. The Pirates take the ice Saturday with a number of talented new faces to compliment the gifted veterans that have returned for another season in Portland. Fan favorites, Tyler Ennis, Nathan Gerbe, and Cody McCormick, have taken their skills to the next level after a productive training camp in which they made a strong impression on the Sabres coaching staff. As with any year in a strong minor league system, the organization has replaced these top names with an array of talent to start a new wave of future Buffalo Sabres stars.

The Pirates will feature a handful of returning faces from 2009-10. Mark Mancari, Portland's leading scorer the last two seasons, is back in the fold as well as veteran goaltender Jhonas Enroth, who returns for his third season as the starter. Marc-Andre Gragnani has also returned for a third season with the Pirates, although his season debut will be delayed due to an injury he suffered early in the Sabres Training Camp.

Longtime NHLer Mark Parrish joins the Pirates for his 12th full professional season, after a year long stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning and their AHL affiliate Norfolk Admirals. Other new faces joining Parrish include veterans Matt Ellis and Colin Stuart, New England native Dennis McCauley, and a plethora of talented rookies highlighted by Luke Adam. Adam made a statement during the Sabres preseason as he netted two goals in a game against the Northeast Division rival Montreal Canadiens.

The new Pirates, combined with the returning faces, seek to advance further into the Calder Cup playoffs and make a run at its first crown since 1993-94.

Tickets for the home opener, as well as each of the 39 other Pirates home games, are on sale now at the Cumberland County Civic Center Box Office or on-line at ticketmaster.com.

There's still time to cash in on great savings by purchasing discounted ticket plans and advance tickets for the Pirates 2010-11 season. Ticket packages are available to meet all budgets and schedules. Call a Pirates Ticket representative today at 207-828-4665 ext. 350 to see what you've been missing!

$50 Gets You The Best Seat in the House: Pirates 2010-11 Season Ticket Packages are now available. Season Ticket prices remain unchanged for the second straight season! Pirates Season Ticket Holders enjoy numerous benefits including guaranteed seat location, great savings compared to Box Office prices, flexible payment options and Season Ticket Holders never waste a ticket. For a limited time, Premium Main Deck Tickets are available at Main Deck Pricing! To reserve your 2010-11 Season Tickets call the Pirates office at 207-828-4665 x350.

The Portland Pirates, the AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, are entering their 18th season as a member of the American Hockey League while the Cumberland County Civic Center hosts AHL play for its 34th season. Calder Cup Champions in 1993-94 and finalists in 1995-96, the Pirates have been home to a total of 230 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 85 percent of today's NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the ninth year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2009-10.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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