NEIL SMITH TO DELIVER 2017 ECHLHALL OF FAME LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEECH

PRINCETON, N.J. – The ECHL announced on Tuesday that the 2017 ECHL Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be presented by BFL CANADA & Sutton Special Risk and will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 12 Noon, at the Fort William Henry Hotel in Lake George, N.Y.

The event will feature Neil Smith, former General Manager of the Adirondack Red Wings - who brought the team a Calder Cup championship in both 1986 and 1989, and who went on to serve as the General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup winning New York Rangers - delivering the keynote welcome before inducting the 10th class of the ECHL Hall of Fame.

The latest class of inductees will be announced in December 2016 and will enter into the ECHL Hall of Fame during the luncheon, featuring Induction Ceremonies, players from the ECHL All-Star Team and Adirondack Thunder, and several of the NHL and ECHL’s most prestigious trophies as part of the 2017 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by I LOVE NY.

“It’s hard to believe that the ECHL will now be inducting its 10th Class into our Hall of Fame,” said Ryan Crelin, Sr. Vice President of Business Operations for the ECHL. “This has become one of our signature events, and is so important to the Players, Officials, and Builders who have helped grow our League into what is has become today. We look forward to welcoming the new inductees to Lake George and Glens Falls, a region with rich hockey tradition, and to honor them during what will surely be a memorable occasion.”

Individual luncheon tickets can be purchased now, based upon availability, for $30 by contacting Sean Driscoll, Director of Ticket Sales for the Adirondack Thunder at 518-480-3344 x1. A table of ten may be purchased for $300 by contacting Cameron Close, Director of Corporate Sales or by visiting the Adirondack Thunder Front Office at the Glen St. Entrance of the Glens Falls Civic Center.

“The ECHL’s Annual Hall of Fame Luncheon is an event that every year BFL CANADA looks forward to participating in”, said BFL CANADA Vice President, Nellie Lindner. “We take great pride to be co-sponsoring this year’s 10th Annual Luncheon in Lake George. BFL CANADA would like to congratulate the upcoming inductees as well as applaud every individual involved and associated with the ECHL who make this event one to always be remembered.”

“We are honored to be a presenting co-sponsor of this year’s ECHL Hall of Fame Luncheon with our good friends from BFL Canada”, said Carol Graham, EVP & COO of Sutton Special Risk. “Sutton continues to be a proud supporter of the ECHL and the great game of hockey and we look forward to celebrating with everyone in Lake George.”

ECHL Hall of Fame members are selected in four categories: Player, Developmental Player, Builder, and Referee/Linesman. Players must have concluded their career as an active player for a minimum of three playing seasons, though not continuous or full seasons. Developmental Players must have begun their career in the ECHL and went on to a distinguished career in the NHL, playing a minimum of 260 regular season games in the NHL, AHL and ECHL. Builders may be active or inactive whereas Referee/Linesman must have concluded their active officiating career for a minimum of three playing seasons.

No more than five candidates may be elected to the ECHL Hall of Fame each year with no more than three Players, one Developmental Player, two Builders and one Referee/Linesman. The Developmental Player, Builder and the Referee/Linesman categories are dependent upon the number of candidates in the Player category.

The nomination and/or selection of candidates will be determined by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee and its Chairman Patrick J. Kelly.

Only members of the Selection Committee, the Board of Governors, teams or persons affiliated with the ECHL may submit official nominations which must be made in writing to the league office. Fans are encouraged to contact their team to propose names for nomination.

About the ECHL

Began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 27 teams in 21 states and one Canadian province for its 29th season in 2016-17. There have been 606 players who have started their career in the ECHL who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, including seven who have made their NHL debuts during the 2016-17 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 26 of the 30 NHL teams in 2016-17, marking the 20th consecutive season that the league had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com.

About BFL CANADA

BFL was founded in Montreal in 1987 by Barry F. Lorenzetti. He was quickly joined by others who shared his vision, and from then on, the company grew by the constant addition of professionals who were recognized as leaders in their niches. Today, with offices in ten cities across the country and close to 600 employees, BFL caters to the needs of clients, large and small and from all industry segments. The company offers a complete range of Commercial Insurance products and services, Risk Management and Risk Control services and Employee Benefits Consulting Services to businesses, professionals, manufacturers and local governments, national and international organizations, and groups and associations. BFL makes a difference by harnessing its global capabilities and local expertise to provide innovative and individualized solutions. BFL’s experts provide exceptional service through a dedicated and experienced team approach. While risks vary from one organization to another, our professionalism and discipline do not. We understand that each entity is unique due to a variety of factors, and our professionals are dedicated to delivering the right solution, however simple or complex your Insurance, Risk Management or Employee Benefits needs may be. For media enquiries, message BFL Canada at publications@bflcanada.ca.

About Sutton Special Risk

For over 38 years Sutton Special Risk has responded to the unique insurance needs of their clients worldwide. With an unparalleled suite of products, consultative approach, underwriting expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional service Sutton Special Risk can ensure you never lose sight of life’s risks. Protect yourself with Sutton Special Risk.

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