The Adirondack Thunder just announced that they will be hosting the ECHL All-Star Classic in January 2017.
The bid was placed around the format of the League All-Stars vs. the Adirondack Thunder, as the ECHL has done in the past. However, the format of next year’s competition has not yet been confirmed, and could end up reflecting the changes that the NHL and AHL have made to their All-Star Celebrations. Brian McKenna, commissioner of the ECHL, stated that the format decided on will be “as entertaining as possible”, and may include a 3-on-3 tournament similar to the NHL’s game for 2016.
The 2015 ECHL All-Star Classic was played in Orlando, Florida, and was broadcast in 23 states to over 85 million households. Adirondack Thunder President, Brian Petrovek, hopes that next year’s game will be broadcast in Eastern Canada as well.
The three day celebration will begin with a Fan Fest on Tuesday, January 17th, followed by the Hall of Fame Luncheon on Wednesday, January 18th at noon. The All-Star Game and Skills Competition will take place at 7:00 p.m. on the 18th. A Taste of Downtown event will follow the game.
Local economies have benefited greatly from these events, with the past 10 ECHL All-Star Games bringing over $1 million to the host city’s economy. Players, fans and coaches will be spending three days in Glens Falls, and filling hundreds of hotel rooms. The Thunder hope to make this a regional event that will bring visitors to Lake George, Saratoga, and surrounding communities.
Tickets for the three day event will be available in February, when tickets for the Thunder’s next season in Glens Falls become available. Season ticket holders will have priority over non-ticket holders for the special event.
Will you be coming to Glens Falls for the hockey celebration next winter?
