Colorado To Host 2013 ECHL All-Star Game

[chilly666]

PRINCETON, N.J. – The ECHL announced on Friday that the Colorado Eagles have been selected to host the 2013 ECHL All-Star Game, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013.

The Eagles are fourth in the ECHL in attendance with 5,289 per game, which is capacity at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colo. Colorado has sold out every regular season and playoff game in team history. Friday’s game marks the Eagles 337th consecutive sell-out, extending the club’s all-time record for minor league professional hockey.

“The 2013 All-Star event takes on special significance,” said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. “This will be the marquee event in our 25th Anniversary season. We are honored that Colorado will host the event as the Eagles celebrate their 10th season of professional hockey. ECHL fans, players and guests will be treated to a first-class event by the Eagles and the Budweiser Events Center.”

“Being able to host one of the league's biggest events is an honor, and we're looking forward to putting on a great game,” said Eagles President Chris Stewart. “We hope to draw from our previous experience hosting an All-Star game and will make this one even bigger and better -- something the league and all of its members will be proud to participate in. We're extremely excited to be bringing another marquee event to Northern Colorado!”

The annual midseason showcase is attended by representatives from the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League and it has produced more than 50 players who have gone on to play in the NHL including 39 since 2002 when the format was changed to feature younger prospects.

The past eight ECHL All-Star Games have generated more than $1 million each for the local economy as guests, players, coaches and fans occupy hundreds of hotel rooms and spend three days in the host city.

The All-Star festivities will also include the official induction ceremony for the sixth class of the ECHL Hall of Fame.

The previous eight games have been available on the NHL Network as well as being broadcast on multiple regional networks. The audio broadcast has been carried on XM Satellite Radio as well as being available in all ECHL markets.

[jreverblade9]

Glad to see the All-star game coming back.

[chilly666]