Wedding bells will toll at Griffins game
Published on March 24, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. â West Michigan is invited to a "Wedding on Ice!"
Steve Wegleitner and Jodie Larson of Zimmerman, Minn., will exchange their vows before thousands of fans during the second intermission of the Grand Rapids Griffins' game against the Cleveland Barons this Tuesday, March 29.
Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell will officiate the hockey-flavored ceremony. Thanks to the Gilmore Collection Banquets & Catering and a host of Griffins partners, all elements of the couple's wedding will be provided, including: a rehearsal dinner at The B.O.B. and a cake reception at Crush after the game (Gilmore Collection); bridal gown (Bridal Elegance); groom and best man tuxedos (Afendoulis Tuxedos); wedding rings (The Diamond House); bridal bouquet and boutonnieres (Sunnyslope Floral); honeymoon hotel (Courtyard by Marriott); photos (Mark Newman Photography); and game tickets for their friends and family (Pepsi).
Steve and Jodie won this unique ceremony through the Griffins' Wedding on Ice contest. Fans, who have already chosen the couple's attire, rings and flowers through online and in-arena voting, will be invited to join in on the first dance, participate in a third-period toast to the newlyweds, and sign their guest book. In addition, those 21 and older are invited to the reception at Crush immediately following the contest (a game ticket is needed for entry).
The evening has numerous surprises in store for the bride and groom, including marital advice from Griffins players and a host of special touches that only a hockey game can provide.
Steve, a full-time staff sergeant with the Minnesota Army National Guard, and Jodie, an account manager for Decisionone, met at a Minnesota Wild/Detroit Red Wings game several years ago. A hockey fanatic and former Ferris State student, Steve bought a section of boards from Joe Louis Arena last fall. On their road trip back from Detroit, he and Jodie attended the Oct. 30 Griffins game against San Antonio.
Long story short, they fell in love with the Griffins that night, with Jodie even purchasing Darryl Bootland's Halloween jersey. They've returned for the New Year's Eve game and several others, and they even cheered on the Griffins when they played Houston at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., on March 7.
Now, all of Grand Rapids is invited to cheer for Steve and Jodie as they begin their new life together.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005 vs. Cleveland Barons
Time: 7 p.m. at Van Andel Arena (doors open at 6 p.m.).
Tickets: Available at The Zone and all Star Tickets Plus outlets, including West Michigan Meijer stores. Charge by phone at (616) 222-4000 / (800) 585-3737 or visit griffinshockey.com.
Prices: $5 (advance purchase only), $13, $15, $17, $20 and $25.
Wedding On Ice: The Griffins and Gilmore Collection Banquets and Catering invite everyone to attend the wedding and reception of Steve Wegleitner and Jodie Larson. Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell will preside over the second-intermission ceremony, and the post-game reception will be at Crush inside The B.O.B.
Youth Hockey: The GRAHA squirt 3 team will skate during the first intermission.
Throw for Dough: Lake Michigan Credit Union offers fans the opportunity to win up to $5,000. Proceeds from the event will benefit Walker Charter Academy.
Friday, April 1, 2005 vs. Utah Grizzlies
Time: 7:30 p.m. at Van Andel Arena (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).
Tickets: Available at The Zone and all Star Tickets Plus outlets, including West Michigan Meijer stores. Charge by phone at (616) 222-4000 / (800) 585-3737 or visit griffinshockey.com.
Prices: $5 (advance purchase only), $13, $15, $17, $20 and $25.
April Fools Day: Wait and see what surprises are in store for fans!
Night of Thunder: All motorcycles will receive free parking in the "Wild Boar Harley-Davidson Bike Corral" behind the arena. Additionally, new bikes will be displayed in the lobby and an indoor "Poker Walk" will take place on the concourse. Motorcycle merchandise will be given away throughout the night.
Win a Car!: Fans can register to win a shot at a new Hyundai Santa Fe during the second intermission.
Youth Hockey: The Walker mite team will skate during the first intermission.
Friday Fun Fest: Live music, games and activities on the arena concourse for the entire family to enjoy.
Subway Four Pack: For just $44, fans can purchase a package that includes four tickets, four coupons for Subway Fresh Meal Deals and parking. Available for all Friday night games.
Post-Game Autographs: Griffins players will sign autographs in the stands for 15 minutes during the Fox Hyundai Post-Game Autograph session.
Saturday, April 2, 2005 vs. Utah Grizzlies
Time: 7:30 p.m. at Van Andel Arena (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).
Tickets: Available at The Zone and all Star Tickets Plus outlets, including West Michigan Meijer stores. Charge by phone at (616) 222-4000 / (800) 585-3737 or visit griffinshockey.com.
Prices: $5 (advance purchase only), $13, $15, $17, $20 and $25.
Who Let The Dogs Out?: Dogs from the Kent Animal Network (Humane Society of Kent County, Kent County Animal Shelter and Vicki's Pet Connection) will be on the concourse and available for adoption. Fans can begin the adoption process on the "Spot."
Giveaway: The first 1,500 fans will receive a Griffins dog dish.
American Hockey League Stories from March 24, 2005
- Falcons Visit Philly on Friday and Albany on Saturday - Springfield Falcons
- Bruins host Worcester in showdown - Providence Bruins
- Nesting dolls, half-priced corner seats on Good Friday - Houston Aeros
- Back To The Beach This Weekend - Bridgeport Islanders
- Wedding bells will toll at Griffins game - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Randy Cunneyworth bobblehead night Friday - Rochester Americans
- Monarchs Select February Investing In Our Youth Winners - Manchester Monarchs
- Monarchs Send Geisler, Miles To Reading On Loan - Manchester Monarchs
- Amerks announce playoff pricing - Rochester Americans
- Phantoms' Gratton to help feed animals at Philadelphia Zoo - Adirondack Phantoms
- Rosamond Gifford Zoo Night at the Crunch - Syracuse Crunch
- Wolves Looking For Blood-Thirsty Fans - Chicago Wolves
- Less than 1,000 tickets remain for final game - Toronto Marlies
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