STORRS, Conn. (November 2, 2012) – The University of Connecticut men’s hockey team will host Air Force at the XL Center in Hartford, Conn. on Saturday, November 24 at 3:30 p.m. The game will be the opener of a hockey doubleheader as the Connecticut Whale takes on the defending Calder Cup Champion Norfolk Admirals at 7 p.m.
The XL Center will serve as UConn’s home ice for Hockey East contests when the Huskies join the nation’s most prestigious conference in 2014-15.
“This is a great opportunity for our team to play in Hartford at the XL Center,” said UConn head coach Bruce Marshall. “It’s exciting for our players to suit up in a major arena, especially against Air Force who we played a terrific playoff series with last season. It’ll be a great night for the fans to watch hockey in downtown Hartford.”
Air Force has won the last two Atlantic Hockey Association titles to earn the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
Connecticut will compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association for the next two seasons before joining Hockey East.
UConn hockey season ticket holders, including students, should use their original ticket for the game.
Tickets for the doubleheader can be purchased at the XL Center Box Office from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and on Ticketmaster.com. The XL Center Box Office also opens four hours prior to game time.
“We are very excited about bringing a UConn men’s ice hockey team to the XL Center,” said UConn Director of Athletics Warde Manuel. “This is a great opportunity to give Husky fans a chance to get a taste of what will become a regular event in Hartford in 2014-15. I am thankful to the XL Center and the Connecticut Whale for helping make this doubleheader possible.”
“The growing enthusiasm and excitement surrounding Hockey East coming to the capital region in 2014 has been undeniable,” said Chuck Steedman, XL Center General Manager & Senior Vice President. “Building off this momentum, AEG and the University of Connecticut both saw a tremendous opportunity to showcase UConn Hockey in Hartford immediately, as we collectively look forward to an incredibly bright future for the team in years to come. This is just the first of many exciting steps designed to promote UConn Hockey in downtown Hartford. AEG is very much looking forward to hosting both the Connecticut Whale and UConn at the XL Center on November 24, for what is sure to be a historic day for hockey in Connecticut.”
UConn’s game against Air Force at the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum on Friday, November 23 will now start at 4:00 p.m. instead of the previously announced 7:05 p.m.
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