AHL Toronto Marlies

Marlies Are Setting Records On And Off The Ice

January 30, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Toronto Marlies News Release


The Toronto Marlies have proven to be an elite team through the first half of the season in the American Hockey League, leading the Western Conference's North Division with a 30-9-1-4 record. The Marlies rank second in the AHL with a 0.739 points percentage and third with 65 points. The Toronto Marlies also have plenty to celebrate off the ice with growing ticket sales, more community involvement and new in-game elements such as a 15-foot goalie mask player entrance, moving lights and the Toronto Sun Marlies Dance Team at Ricoh Coliseum.

The season began at Ricoh Coliseum on October 6 with a 4-1 victory over the Rochester Americans. The night started with Don Cherry taking part in the ceremonial puck drop. Since that night there have been numerous accomplishments set by the Marlies at the half-way point of the season. On January 2, goaltender Justin Pogge became the franchise's all-time leader in wins in its short history with 31, surpassing Jean-Francois Racine's total of 30. Forward John Mitchell became the Marlies franchise leader in games played on December 26 when he appeared in his 153rd game as a Marlie, surpassing Marc Moro's previous record of 152. Toronto set a franchise record with its six-game winning streak recorded December 15-29.

Two Marlies players were named to the 2008 AHL All-Star Classic in Binghamton, NY which took place on January 27-28. Defenceman Derrick Walser was selected to represent Team Canada, and a day later defenceman Anton Stralman was named to PlanetUSA.

Seven Marlies players have been recalled and have seen action with the Maple Leafs in the 2007-08 campaign. Anton Stralman, Kris Newbury, Darryl Boyce, Jiri Tlusty, Scott Clemmensen, Simon Gamache and Staffan Kronwall all have appeared in at least one game this season with the Leafs.

Marlies fans have embraced the team's success this season by purchasing tickets in record numbers. Ticket sales are up all across the board, most notably in group sales which is up 113 percent from last season. Single game tickets are also up 28 percent from a year ago. The Marlies have already sold more tickets this season then all of 2006-07.

Toronto Marlies suite sales have also exceeded expectations this season. Ricoh Coliseum has 34 suites available for all home games and 14 have been purchased for the season by 15 different companies. A season ago the Marlies had 132 total rentals and this season they have already increased that number 51 percent.

The Marlies enjoyed their franchise's first sell-out crowd January 5, 2008 when they hosted the Hamilton Bulldogs. Toronto won the contest, 2-1, which was also the same night it celebrated its 100th regular season home game. The evening was sponsored by redtag.ca, which also featured the team's biggest in-game giveaway--an all-expenses paid vacation for two to Cuba.

Many of the Toronto Marlies corporate partners are blue chip companies including McDonald's, Rogers, Subway, Ricoh and Purolator, and have all played an instrumental role with the team's efforts to bring fans closer to the game. The McDonald's Zone at Ricoh Coliseum allows fans to purchase tickets for only $10 per ticket. On the concourse, Rogers has set-up an in-arena kiosk to allow Marlies fans to make free phone calls during the game. On April 13, which is the Marlies final regular season game, Subway is presenting a chance for one lucky fan to shoot for $1 million. Throughout the season, Ricoh, Rogers and Purolator have sponsored bobblehead giveaways for the first 5,000 fans in attendance on featured nights. The bobbleheads have included former and current players Wendel Clark, Mats Sundin, Justin Pogge, Steve Thomas, Doug Gilmour and Darcy Tucker. In February and March the Marlies have Tomas Kaberle, Ben Ondrus and Marlies mascot Duke the Dog bobblehead evenings planned.

On October 27, the Marlies hosted their second annual Pink Ribbon Night at Ricoh Coliseum in partnership with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The Marlies teamed up with the foundation and raised more than seven thousand dollars to help raise cancer awareness. The Toronto Marlies have also partnered with the Canadian Safe Schools Network to sell 50/50 tickets with a portion of the proceeds going to help reduce youth violence in elementary schools. The Toronto Marlies are planning a full-team hospital visit February 7 at Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital.

The Toronto Marlies hold community practices throughout the GTA that allow fans the opportunity to watch the team skate through a regular practice at their local arena. Each practice is highlighted by the opportunity for a local minor hockey team to participate with the Marlies. Directly following practice, the entire team takes part in an autograph session. The Marlies have visited four arenas this season, and on February 26 they will be going to Flemingdon Park Arena for their final community practice of the season.

For the second consecutive year the Marlies have continued The Goal is Fun! program, which provides minor hockey players the chance to develop hockey skills in a fun and exciting environment. The program allows young minor hockey players to work on their skating skills and puck handling abilities. The Goal is Fun! program also takes place off the ice with different inflatables, interactive games, activities and giveaways. The Marlies have over 80 scheduled events for The Goal is Fun!, and 20 have already taken place at locations all over the GTA.

The Toronto Marlies are gaining exposure on television as well through agreements with Leafs TV and The Score. This season the Marlies have 20 games that will be televised, 10 on The Score and 10 on Leafs TV.

Saturday, February 2 the Toronto Marlies will be hosting their Canadian Forces Night with hundreds of soldiers and their families expected to be in attendance. General Rick Hillier and two deserving members of the Canadian Forces will take part in the ceremonial puck drop prior to the game and be joined by the 32nd Canadian Brigade Group Composite band. The Marlies will hold Toronto Zoo Night on February 9 versus the Hamilton Bulldogs. Fans will have a chance to see interactive displays including zoo animals inside Marlies Alley.

The Marlies travel to Rochester on Friday evening to take on the Americans - AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers - at Blue Cross Arena with puck drop scheduled

for 7:35 p.m. The Marlies will return to Ricoh Coliseum Saturday, February 2 to host Rochester for a 4 p.m. match-up. For ticket information, including ticket packages and priority seating, visit

www.torontomarlies.com or call the team's ticket line at 416-597-PUCK.

TORONTO MARLIES MAJOR 2007-08 MILESTONES

Rank third in AHL with a 30-9-1-4 record

First sellout in franchise history on January 5, 2008 vs. Hamilton Bulldogs

Four games with over 5,000 fans in attendance

Single game tickets up 28% and Group tickets up 113%

More than 20 Toronto Marlies corporate sponsors

Set franchise high six-game winning streak during December 2007

Raised over $7,000 for Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in one night

More information about the Toronto Marlies is available at www.torontomarlies.com

Check out the Toronto Marlies Statistics



American Hockey League Stories from January 30, 2008


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