HARTFORD, December 15, 2011: Whalers Sports & Entertainment (WSE) announced today that WSE and the Connecticut Whale will host a top-level professional women’s hockey game prior to the Whale’s home game Saturday, January 21 at the XL Center vs. the Norfolk Admirals.
The women’s game will be a Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) regular-season battle between the Boston Blades and Team Alberta. That contest will face off at 3:00 PM on January 21, before the Whale and Admirals lock horns at 7:00. Tickets for the Whale game will also be good for admission to the CWHL tilt.
The Canadian Women’s Hockey League, founded in May of 2007, represents the highest level of women’s professional hockey in North America. An incorporated, not-for-profit, premier, professionally-run women’s hockey association, the CWHL consists of six franchises, whose regular season runs from late-October through March before a champion is crowned in playoff competition for the Clarkson Cup.
According to WSE senior Vice President of Business Operations, Mark Willand: “We are enthused to have the opportunity to showcase the best in women’s hockey at the XL Center. The women’s game has grown tremendously in recent years and we look forward to helping these great pros receive more exposure in the state of Connecticut.”
Added WSE President and COO Howard Baldwin, Jr: “This is a great chance for hockey fans in our area to get an up-close look at how fast and skilled these players are. Nine of the Blades’ players alone have Olympic or National Team experience. We encourage our fans to check out these elite athletes and enjoy a great day of hockey at the XL Center.”
“The Boston Blades are delighted to partner with the CT Whale to bring elite women’s hockey to our fans in Connecticut,” said Blades General Manager Paul Hendrickson. “We are looking forward to bringing some of the best female hockey players in the world to the XL Center for our doubleheader with the CT Whale.”
A significant Connecticut talent will be taking the ice with the Blades on January 21, in the person of New Haven native Caitlin Cahow, who helps anchor the Boston defense. Cahow was a Bronze Medalist with Team USA in 2006 and a Silver Medalist in 2010, after starring at Harvard University and The Hotchkiss School. The Blades’ leading goal-scorer is 2010 Olympian, and former Boston College Eagle, Kelli Stack. Leading the Blades’ team in points is Erika Lawler of Fitchburg, MA, also a member of the 2010 U.S. Women’s Olympic squad and a three-time NCAA champion at the University of Wisconsin.
Tickets to the January 21 doubleheader, and all 2011-12 Whale home games, are on sale now at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, as well as on-line at www.ctwhale.com and through TicketMaster Charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.
Save on your tickets, and get the best seats, with a ticket plan for the Whale’s 2011-12 AHL campaign, which are on sale now. For information on season seats and mini plans, visit www.ctwhale.com, or call the CT Whale ticket office at (860) 728-3366 to talk with an account executive today.
