THUNDER ANNOUNCE 2017 CCM/ECHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC DETAILS

Glens Falls, NY –The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames and host of the ECHL’s annual mid-season classic, have announced details around the 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic, scheduled for Tuesday, January 17 and Wednesday, January 18, 2017. The Adirondack Thunder, in partnership with I LOVE NEW YORK, will put the spotlight on Upstate and leverage the ECHL hockey fan network to invite hockey enthusiasts and travelers to the All-Star Classic in Glens Falls.

Along with I LOVE NEW YORK, the Thunder have partnered with the Village of Lake George, the Lake George Chamber of Commerce, the Great Escape Lodge, the City of Glens Falls and the Glens Falls Collaborative to maximize the All Star experience for local fans and out of town guests. The Fort William Henry Resort, located in Lake George, will serve as the official host hotel of the 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic and will serve as the host of the Fan Fest, to be held on Tuesday, January 17, as well as the Hall of Fame Luncheon, to be held on Wednesday, January 18.

The All-Star Classic will serve as the kick off to the Lake George Winter Carnival on Tuesday, January 17, beginning with live music and entertainment at several downtown locations, including the Visitor Center, the Historical Institute and the Lake George Arts Project Gallery. The day will then transition to the annual parade down Canada Street beginning at 4:30 p.m. Throughout the day, Lake George will host several events and activities, with ice sculptures located in Shepard Park, multiple ice rinks throughout the village, happy hours at local restaurants and bars, as well as snowmobile rides on the Lake, weather permitting. Lake George will also offer passenger trolley rides to transport guests to and from different events throughout the day.

The parade will then be followed by the 2017 CCM/ECHL All Star Classic Fan Fest, which will begin at the Fort William Henry at approximately 6:00 p.m. The Fan Fest, which costs $5 for all fans, will consist of live music, entertainment, local foods and beverages, outdoor hockey, Official All-Star Classic merchandise, ECHL and NHL trophy displays, meet and greet opportunities with All-Star players and coaches, along with many more family friendly activities and attractions. The event will run until 10:00 p.m. and further details around the evening will be announced at a later date.

“We are honored and extremely pleased to host the 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic Hockey players, coaches, team representatives and loyal fans in beautiful downtown Lake George,” Lake George Mayor Robert Blais said. “The Village, along with the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce and CVB, are thrilled to partner with the City of Glens Falls and the Adirondack Thunder management to deliver exciting events and create a memorable experience for everyone.”

The ECHL Hall of Fame, formed to commemorate the ECHL’s 20th season of operation in the 2007-2008 season, enters its tenth season in 2017, with the Hall of Fame Luncheon serving as the annual induction ceremony. Hall of Fame members are selected in four categories: Player, Developmental Player, Builder, and Referee/Linesman. The ECHL Hall of Fame currently has 36 inducted members, including decorated NHL netminder Olaf Kolzig. Tables for the Hall of Fame luncheon are available at $300 for 10 people, which includes a catered lunch and the Hall of Fame ceremony.

Following the Hall of Fame Luncheon, the event shifts to downtown Glens Falls for the All-Star Game and Skills Competition. The All-Star Classic has partnered with Hoppy Trails to provide two buses going from the Fort William Henry Resort to the Civic Center, with stops made at local breweries to showcase the area’s top craft beer, spirits and wine collections. The event will also provide additional transportation from the Resort to downtown Glens Falls, where the pre-All-Star Classic festivities kick off at 4:00 p.m.

“Glens Falls and our community are thrilled to be the location for 2017 CCM/ ECHL All-Star Classic event,” Amy Collins, Director of Tourism for the City of Glens Falls, said. “We have a rich history with ice hockey and wish everyone a great visit to our area. We invite you to enjoy our arts and cultural attractions, the many food and shopping offerings available and the surrounding beauty of our region while you participate at this celebration. Congratulations players and thank you all for coming to celebrate the sport of hockey with us and a warm welcome to the All-Stars, their families and fans.”

Beginning at 4:00 p.m., Downtown Glens Falls becomes the focus of the Adirondacks as the pre-All-Star festivities begin with merchants, restaurants and entertainment throughout the downtown area. The festivities will lead into the 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic and Skills Competition, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The event will run for approximately two and a half hours and following the conclusion of the game, the “Taste of Downtown” will begin, highlighting more than ten downtown restaurants and bars. The “Taste of Downtown” will run throughout the evening in Glens Falls and bus transportation will be provided at the end of the evening for those staying in Lake George.

“Making the 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic a regional event will allow both our local fans and visiting guests to experience all that the region offers,” Adirondack Thunder President Brian Petrovek said. “We wanted to not only highlight the vibrant downtown area we have here in Glens Falls but also showcase the beauty and character of Lake George and our plan allows us to do just that. We’d like to thank the Village of Lake George and the City of Glens Falls for welcoming us in with open arms and look forward to what will be a terrific event for the entire region.”

Tickets to the 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic, Fan Fest and Hall of Fame Luncheon are available now for 2016-17 Adirondack Thunder season ticket holders. Anyone who reserves their season tickets for next season by March 31 will be eligible to get tickets to the 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic for just $29, a savings of 28% off of face value. Tickets will be regularly priced at $40 for both the game and skills competition and will remain available to Thunder full season ticket holders. Individual tickets to the 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic will be announced at a later date.

Don’t miss out on the speed, skill, strength and sounds of Thunder hockey. Discounted group tickets and a Family 4 Pack are available, along with individual tickets as well as Full Season Tickets for the 2016-17 ECHL season. For more information on all Thunder ticket plans, call 518-480-3355 x1 or visit echlthunder.com.

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Experience The Thunder

2017 ECHL All-Star Classic Schedule of Events

Lake George Winter Carnival Parade – Tuesday, January 17 – 4:30 p.m. – Canada Street – Lake George, NY

Non-Ticketed Event - Free Admission and Open to the Public

Fan Fest – Tuesday, January 17 – 6:00 p.m. – Fort William Henry Hotel

Ticketed Event - $5 For Youth Admission / $10 For Adult Admission – Limited Quantity of Tickets available

- Live Music & Entertainment

- Local Craft Brews, wines, spirits and foods

- ECHL & NHL Trophy Displays

- Family Friendly activities, displays and attractions

- Meet & Greet with All-Star and Adirondack Thunder players, coaches, VIP’s and dignitaries

ECHL Hall of Fame Luncheon – Wednesday, January 18 – Noon – Fort William Henry Hotel

Ticketed Event - $300 for a table of 10, includes lunch plus Hall of Fame ceremony

2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic & Skills Competition – Wednesday, January 18 – 7:00 p.m. – Glens Falls Civic Center

Ticketed Event - $40 per ticket – Tickets currently available for 2016-17 Adirondack Thunder Season Ticket Holders Only

Taste of Downtown – Wednesday, January 18 – 9:30 p.m. – Downtown Glens Falls

Non-Ticketed Event – Each participating bar / restaurant will include their own specials throughout the evening

10 participating downtown bars and restaurants will form the “Taste of Downtown” event, running throughout the evening.

Participating Hotels

Fort William Henry Hotel – Lake George, NY

Marriott Courtyard – Lake George, NY

Quality Inn – Lake George, NY

Surfside On The Lake – Lake George, NY

Great Escape Lodge – Queensbury, NY

Ramada Inn – Queensbury, NY

Television Audience

The 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic will be carried nationally, regionally and locally by a number of television networks, including NHL Network, Fox Sports Affiliates and Comcast Affiliates. The 2015 All-Star Classic in Orlando was broadcast to over 85 million homes throughout North America.