IT ALL STARTS AT THE XL CENTER

WHALE TO HOST “IT ALL STARTS HERE NIGHT” THIS SATURDAY

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In Conjunction with USA Hockey’s “Hockey Weekend Across America”

Whalers Sports & Entertainment announced today that, in the spirit of “Hockey Weekend Across America”, the Connecticut Whale will present “It All Starts Here Night” at its home game this Saturday, February 18 against the Worcester Sharks.

It All Starts Here Night will celebrate both youth hockey and the tremendous player-development record that has been the hallmark of the relationship between the Whale and their NHL parent club, the New York Rangers.

Fans who wear a youth hockey jersey to the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center will be able to purchase lower-level end-zone seats to Saturday’s game for just $10 each.

In addition, all fans in attendance that night will receive a Whale TV poster, courtesy of Webster Bank. The poster will feature the theme of the night, “It All Starts Here”, with players and staff who have sent time developing with the Hartford Wolf Pack and the Whale before being promoted to the New York Rangers, including players like Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky and Carl Hagelin.

“Hockey Weekend Across America” is a program developed by USA Hockey that takes place from February 17-19, aiming to celebrate the game of hockey by any means possible throughout the entire nation. Part of the initiative is also to provide opportunities for those that have not tried hockey, resulting in more people playing the game at all levels.

Staff from the Connecticut Whale will be participating in “Try Hockey for Free” clinics this Saturday at Newington Arena (8:00 AM) and at the Koeppel Community Sports Center at Trinity College (10:30 AM).

Tickets to It All Starts Here Night, 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.