Mr. Hockey to help Ak-Sar-Ben Knights kickoff inaugural season

Published on September 19, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


Omaha, NE - The Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights announced today that Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe will be the guest of honor at the team's Season Ticket Holder Pick-Up Party on Monday, October 3rd from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. The appearance by Mr. Hockey comes on the 60th anniversary of his first professional season. He was a member of the Knights in 1945-46.

"It's a tremendous honor for us to welcome Mr. Hockey back to Omaha," said Doug Soetaert, Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' President. "He is one of the greatest players in the history of hockey, and we're looking forward to having him back in the city where his pro career began."

Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe will be available to meet and greet season ticket holders and corporate partners at the Civic Auditorium from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. He will then be available to the general public from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' players also will be available to meet fans and sign autographs from 5 to 8.

Fans will be invited to stay and watch Monday Night Football on two large screen televisions placed in the lobby of the Civic during the event. A cash bar will be available. In addition, the Civic box office will be open for those fans wishing to purchase individual game tickets for the 2005-2006 season.

Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe is a living legend. When he began his pro career with the Knights, he was just 17 years old. That year, he played in 51 games, scoring 22 goals and 26 assists for 48 points. He would go on to play 1,760 career NHL games, scoring 801 goals and 1,850 points. He won four Stanley Cups, won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's top scorer six times and won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's Most Valuable Player six times. He was an NHL All-Star Team selection 21 times. Between the NHL and the World Hockey Association, Mr. Hockey played in 2,186 games, scoring 975 goals and 2,358 points. The goal total between the two leagues tops all players.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Knights begin their inaugural season in the American Hockey League on October 7th when they host the defending Western Conference Champions, the Chicago Wolves, at 7:00 p.m. at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. Season tickets, group tickets and mini-plans may be purchased by calling the Knights at (402) 344-4625. For more information, visit the Ak-Sar-Ben Knights' web site at www.omahaaksarbenknights.com.

The 2005-2006 season marks the 70th anniversary of the American Hockey League. The AHL continues to serve as the top developmental league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 80 percent of NHL players in 2003-2004 were AHL graduates, and in 2004-2005, more than 7.1 million fans--an all-time league record--attended AHL games across North America.

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American Hockey League Stories from September 19, 2005


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