Lynx Hockey Fan Appreciation Day Friday

March 17, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Augusta Lynx News Release


In conjunction with a nationwide movement titled "The Fans Strike Back" that is designed to celebrate the great game of hockey in response to the NHL Lockout, the Augusta Lynx have declared Friday as "Hockey Fan Appreciaition Day," with a host of activities and a special giveaway planned for the Friday March 18 game against the Pensacola Ice Pilots at 7:35 p.m. at Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center.

The Fans Strike Back has declared Friday March 18th as "National Hockey Day," and with minor-pro teams across North America, has organizaed the day of "Hockey Solidarity" at the 94 minor-pro and college games to be played on this day. The goal is to send a message to NHL owners and players that the fans want the game back, as well as to bring more attention to the minor-pro game on a national scale.

"We already have a big weekend planned with the Dodge Days Weekend; the Dodge Car Show at the games and giveaways of the Lynx Team Photos on Friday and Dodge Hemi Hammers on Saturday, but we wanted to put it over the top and create a really fun atmosphere on Friday for Hockey Fan Appreciaition Day," Lynx Assistant General Manager Rob Mueller said. "Whether or not we send a message about the NHL Lockout, we know it will be a lot of fun for our fans."

On Friday, the Lynx are asking fans to show their spirit by wearing their hockey jerseys, hats and gear, or at least their favorite hockey colors to work, school and play in order to celebrate the sport of hockey. Paint your face or deck your car out in streamers as if you were going to a playoff game. Get out and play hockey out in the street, on a deck, on the grass, or rink and top off the day of celebration by attending the Lynx game vs. Pensacola -- just as tens of thousands of others will attend ECHL and other minor-pro and college games across North America on Friday.

As part of the celebration, the Lynx have several activities planned.

Children ages 5-16 are invited to play hockey on the Lynx portable street hockey rink on the Civic Center plaza next to the Bell Auditorium beginning at 4 p.m. The Lynx will organize pick-up games and a hockey clinic. Children are encouraged to bring their hockey gear, including in-line skates, if available, but the Lynx will have sticks and helmets for those without their own equipment.

Then, beginning at 5 p.m., the Lynx invite all fans to a pre-game tailgate in the Lynx parking lot at the Bell Auditorium. Bring your coolers, portable grills, or whatever you need to tailgate and party with Lynx fans and watch the kids play hockey before the game.

The Lynx will be giving away a Lynx license plate frame or 2004-05 Souvenir Yearbook, plus a voucher for a free ticket to a future game, to the first 1,000 fans who show up wearing hockey apparel to the game. The Civic Center doors open at 6:35 p.m.

Friday also kicks off the Two Day Dodge Days Weekend with the Lynx. The first 3,000 fans will receive a free Augusta Lynx Team Photo, while the first 1,000 kids 16-and-under will recieve a free pair of Dodge Hemi Hammer ThunderStixx. The team photos will be given away Friday in the Lynx Den (Civic Center Exhibition Hall) only, so be sure to arrive early. The Hemi Hammers will be given out at the main entrances to the Civic Center on Saturday.

On both Friday and Saturday, Augusta/Aiken Area Dodge Dealers will display their line of 2006 Dodge Vehicles.

After the game Saturday, the entire Lynx team will be in the Lynx Den at the Civic Center for autographs, photos and more.

The Fans Strike Back --- www.noNHLstrike.com --- is a fan effort started by Dennis Seals and Roger Farina. Farina was recognized as the NHL's Inaugural 7th Man Fan of the Year in 2003. He has appeared on the Today Show and had the honor of dropping the puck at Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Farina also reigned as Commissioner for a day and maintains contact with the people he met during his tenure as 2003 NHL Fan of the Year.

Tickets for both games are available by calling the Lynx office at (706) 724-4ICE, or at the Civic Center Box Office. Comcast subscribers get $1 off each ticket, but must order their tickets through the Lynx office at 724-4ICE and requesting the Comcast Group Discount.



ECHL Stories from March 17, 2005


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