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IceCats 2002-03 Schedule Released

August 1, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester IceCats News Release


WORCESTER, MA - The American Hockey League (AHL) today ratified the 2002-2003 regular season schedule for its 28 member clubs. The Worcester IceCats schedule, consisting of 40 home and 40 road games, is loaded with 30 fan-friendly weekend dates at Worcester's Centrum Centre.

In response to fan feedback, the IceCats have modified home start times for the 2002-2003 campaign. Sunday games in downtown Worcester will begin at 4:05 PM. All other games, limited to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, will faceoff at 7:05 PM.

"Our fans indicated that these times would be convenient for them," noted IceCats President and General Manager John S. Ferguson. "We worked with Worcester's Centrum Centre and the League to make sure that these needs were fulfilled."

With regard to the schedule itself, Ferguson was also very pleased. "While maintaining our traditional rivalries, we were able to arrange a variety of opponents this season. The 2002-2003 schedule will give Worcester fans an opportunity to see more players from the greatest developmental hockey league in the world."

Following a three game road trip, the IceCats Home Opener will take place on Saturday, October 19th against North Division rivals, the Portland Pirates. Kids' Opening Day at Worcester's Centrum Centre will pit the Providence Bruins against the IceCats on Sunday, October 27th.

* The home schedule is characterized by nine Fridays, 10 Saturdays, 11 Sundays and 10 Wednesdays.

* The IceCats schedule is still focused on regional rivalries. Twenty-four of the 40 home games will feature New England-based foes, including an opponent-high five tilts with the Providence Bruins.

* The 'Cats will have 17 home games against teams from the North Division. Thirty-two of the 40 home games involve organizations from the Eastern Conference.

* Worcester will faceoff against a franchise-high, 19 different opponents during the 2002-2003 slate. IceCats fans will get their first look at the Utah Grizzlies (Dallas Stars) on December 20th. The defending Calder Cup Champion Chicago Wolves (Atlanta Thrashers) will make their Worcester debut on January 24th, followed by the expansion Binghamton Senators (Ottawa) on February 1st. Worcester will welcome both Admirals this season. The Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators) will faceoff on February 15th, trailed by the Norfolk Admirals (Chicago Blackhawks) on March 14th. The Cleveland Barons (San Jose Sharks) inaugural battle at 50 Foster Street is March 16th. The last two games will be part of the IceCats St. Patrick's Day celebration.

* The IceCats last opponent of the 2001-2002 term will be their first this season. The IceCats will begin the hockey calendar looking to avenge their untimely exit from the Calder Cup Playoffs, with their first-ever trip to Manitoba. They will lock horns with the Moose on October 11th and 12th.

* An exciting block of home games commence immediately after Thanksgiving. On Friday, November 29th, the IceCats host Manchester. The following night, Worcester welcomes Providence.

* Worcester will play three home games in October and seven total: (3h/4r/7t). The following is the monthly breakdown: November- (8h/7r/15t), December- (6h/9r/15t), January- (6h/7r/13t), February- (6h/5r/11t), March- (8h/7r/15t), April- (3h/1r/4t).

* December, one of Worcester's busiest months, will kick off at home on Saturday the 7th against Lowell and conclude with post-Christmas duels with the Albany River Rats and the Springfield Falcons. The Rats will be in on the 27th followed by the Falcons on Sunday the 29th.

* The greatest number of days between games at Worcester's Centrum Centre is 16. The 'Cats will entertain the home crowd on December 29th. After playing five games on the road, they return home on January 15th. Interestingly, a game against the Lowell Lock Monsters on Saturday, January 18th will set in motion the IceCats longest homestand of the season. They will play five straight from the 18th to the 29th.

* Highlighting the December travel is an excursion to Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Cincinnati. The 'Queen City' of Cincinnati is the only destination familiar to the IceCats. The 'Cats will fly to Utah for battles on February 7th and 8th.

* As the crow flies, the furthest the IceCats will travel from home is to battle the Utah Grizzlies. From Worcester to Salt Lake City, the IceCats will log 2064 miles.

* The following is a breakdown of days for the total 80 game docket: Monday-1, Tuesday-0, Wednesday-13, Thursday-2, Friday-23, Saturday-24, Sunday-17.

* The IceCats will reach the midway point of the regular season after a Sunday, January 5th showdown in Portland. A total of 17 games will be played at home in the first half.

* The Pirates will host the 2003 Dodge AHL All-Star Classic at the Cumberland County Civic Center on Feb. 2nd and 3rd.

* Fan Appreciation night is Friday, April 4th. Kids' Appreciation Day, which signals the end of the regular season for the 'Cats, is Sunday, April 6th.

* The IceCats exhibition schedule will be released at a later time.

* Season ticket packages are on sale now at the new IceCats offices, located at 105 Commercial Street in downtown Worcester. Full season packages begin at only $280, with Flex Packs starting at just $80. For more information, contact an IceCats ticket representative at (508) 752-5000 or 800-830-CATS.

* Individual tickets for all games are expected to go on sale in September.

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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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