Kelly Cup Comes To First Arena This Weekend
February 27, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud member of the ECHL, announced today that the fifth annual Kelly Cup Tour pass through Elmira this weekend on the second stop of its 2008 tour to ECHL member cities. The 42-day tour will cover 5,677 miles and is scheduled to visit six cities in six states.
The ECHL's championship trophy is traveling to New York for the first time as it arrives at First Arena Saturday and Sunday. The Kelly Cup will be on display during Saturday's 7:35 p.m. contest against the Dayton Bombers. Sunday, fans will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the trophy during, free of charge courtesy of Bobby K Entertainment, during the Jackals game against the Johnstown Chiefs at 4:05 p.m.
Each of the 25 teams had the opportunity to have the Kelly Cup, which stands 19 3/8 inches tall and weighs 25 3/8 pounds, visit their city. The tour, which includes a full-color display showing the intensity and excitement of the Kelly Cup Playoffs, was created in 2004 to give fans a chance to see the coveted trophy which is presented annually to the postseason champion of the Premier 'AA' Hockey.
The Kelly Cup has gained recognition and prominence as the championship trophy of the nationwide league and is a symbol of hard work, dedication and excellence at the 'AA' level. Since becoming a national league in 2003-04, the ECHL has seen the Kelly Cup Champion come from Idaho in 2007 and 2004, Alaska in 2006 and New Jersey in 2005. It has been displayed on multiple occasions with both the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup and the American Hockey League's Calder Cup.
The trophy is named in recognition of Patrick J. Kelly, who is one of the founding fathers of the ECHL
which began with five teams in four states in 1988-89. A member of the inaugural ECHL Hall of Fame class inducted in January, Kelly was Commissioner for the league's first eight seasons and was named Commissioner Emeritus in 1996, a title that he continues to hold.
Kelly, who is celebrating his 55th season in professional hockey in 2007-08, played for the Springfield Indians of the American Hockey League, the Trois Riveres Lions in the Quebec League, Troy Bruins of the International Hockey League and the Greensboro Generals of the Eastern Hockey League.
He coached in the Eastern Hockey League, the Southern Hockey League and the National Hockey League where he was the only coach to ever lead the Colorado Rockies to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He also coached in the American Hockey League and the International Hockey League, leading Peoria to the Turner Cup in 1984-85. In 1967-68, the Clinton Comets finished with a 57-5-10 record, making them the only professional team in history to lose only five games or less in a season, and in 1969-70, Kelly was named Minor League Coach of the Year by The Hockey News.
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The Elmira Jackals return to First Arena for three big North Division battles this weekend beginning with a pair of games against the Dayton Bombers Friday and Saturday at 7:35 p.m. both nights. The Johnstown Chiefs close out the weekend at First Arena against the Jackals in a 4:05 p.m. face-off. Good seats remain, but are selling quickly. Tickets are available at all Tickemaster outlets including the Gray Street box office - First Arena, on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, or charge-by-phone at 722-3711.
ECHL Stories from February 27, 2008
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- RoadRunners Host "Turn Back The Clock Night" Friday - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Record-Breaking Desharnais Leads Record-Setting Cyclones Into California - ECHL
- Kelly Cup Comes To First Arena This Weekend - Elmira Jackals
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- Falcons Host Go Red For Women Friday - Fresno Falcons
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- Ice Pilots Announce Remainder of Public Skate Schedule After Games - Pensacola Ice Pilots
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