Aces Will Open Playoffs In Valley

Published on March 11, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Alaska Aces have announced their intentions to open the first round of the 2010 Kelly Cup playoffs at the Menard Memorial Center in Wasilla.

As a result of scheduling conflicts at Alaska's home, Sullivan Arena, the Aces (by far the leading revenue producer at the facility) have just one date available to them in the first round of the National Conference playoffs. In addition, should Alaska advance to the second round of the playoffs as a lower seed, another Sullivan Arena conflict may require the team to move out to Wasilla for a potential fifth game of that best-of-seven series.

Due to a number of March and April bookings at Sullivan Arena, the Aces historically have faced similar circumstances. Being shut out of its home Arena only has been avoided by short series, preferential seeding, and, in the case of the West Finals last year, by an agreement with the Native Youth Olympics to move to the downtown Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. The Dena'ina is available during the first round of this year's playoffs. However, despite the availability of the Dena'ina Center, neither the promoter, the City, nor the City's operator has been willing to move the conflicting event to the Dena'ina Center.

If Alaska finishes as the higher seed (meaning second, third, or fourth in the National Conference standings) for its first round series, the team will play its first two games at the Menard Memorial Center Monday and Tuesday, April 5 & 6, with both games starting at 7:35 p.m. The later start is necessary to accommodate those driving from Anchorage. Though the club has the right to charge for parking in Wasilla, the Aces already have waived that right in order to keep additional costs for their loyal following as minimal as possible. If Alaska finishes as the lower seed (meaning fifth, sixth, or seventh), the club likely still would play Monday and Tuesday, April 5-6, in Wasilla, based on preferences expressed by its conference rivals.

"This is not an ideal scenario. Throughout the last seven years, our first priority always has been to bring playoff hockey to Alaska. Unfortunately, this year our home facility has left our team and our fans with no other choice but to play in Wasilla," said Aces managing member Terry Parks. "We have dodged bullets for years. We have asked time and again for scheduling changes. Unfortunately, this season, the lack of dates and the resulting conflicts at Sullivan Arena has finally caught up with us. We just hope our fans understand and help our team reach its goal of playing meaningful hockey in April and May."

2010 Kelly Cup playoff tickets will be made available at this weekend's games against the Ontario Reign, Friday and Saturday night at 7:15 p.m. Those fans electing not to attend first round games will retain their rights to their regular seats at Sullivan Arena starting with the second round. All regular season and playoff games are broadcast live on the flagship home of Aces hockey, AM 750 KFQD, with coverage beginning 15 minutes prior to the opening face-off.

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