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Ak-Sar-Ben Knights name MacDonald captain

October 6, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


Omaha, NE - The Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights announced today that center Craig MacDonald will captain the team in its inaugural American Hockey League season. In addition, defensemen Steve Bancroft and Zenith Komarniski and forwards Lynn Loyns and Carsen Germyn will serve as alternate captains.

"Craig MacDonald is a veteran hockey player who knows how to be successful night in and night out in the AHL," said Ryan McGill, Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' coach. "He will be a great leader on the ice and in the dressing room. We expect him to set a great example for our younger players."

MacDonald is entering his eighth professional season. Last year, he played for the Lowell Lock Monsters of the AHL, recording 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) and 104 PIM in 71 games. In 110 NHL career games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins, MacDonald has recorded 12 points (2 goals, 10 assists) and 52 PIM. MacDonald was originally drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the fourth round, 88th overall, in the 1996 Entry Draft.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Knights begin their inaugural season in the AHL tomorrow when they host the defending Western Conference Champions, the Chicago Wolves, at 7:00 p.m. at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. The Knights are bringing back several former Knights to celebrate the city's rich hockey history. Motto McLean, Minny Menard, Bill and George Swarbrick, Doug Keeler, Don Martineau, Dave Murphy, Keith Walsh and Fred Gibbon are all scheduled to attend the opening night festivities. In addition, Calgary Flames' President and CEO Ken King, Vice President of Hockey Administration and CFO Mike Holditch and Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation President David Parker will be on hand for the on-ice ceremony.

All fans attending the game will receive a magnetic season schedule courtesy of Alegent Health and 1420 AM. Individual game tickets for Opening Night and all Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' home games are on sale at the Civic Auditorium box office, all Ticketmaster outlets and at Ticketmaster.com. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and through the opening face-off on game nights. Season tickets, group tickets and mini-plans are now on sale by calling the Knights at (402) 344-4625. For more information, visit the Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' web site at omahaaksarbenknights.com.

For those unable to attend the game, they can listen to Opening Night on Big Sports 590 AM in Omaha. Dave Ahlers will handle the play-by-play while local hockey historian Gary Anderson provides color commentary. All game broadcasts following Friday's game can be heard on 1420 AM beginning with the Knights' first road game against Iowa on Saturday, October 8th at 7:05 p.m. All broadcasts begin 15 minutes before the opening face-off with the pre-game show. In addition, all Ak-Sar-Ben Knights games are available free on the web at omahaaksarbenknights.com by clicking on the "Listen Live" link.

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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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