We're going to host an NHL pre-season game! (update)

The National Hockey League is coming to Sault Ste. Marie.

On Ice Management Group Inc. in cooperation with the city of Sault Ste. Marie announced Wednesday that the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres will play an exhibition game at the Essar Centre on Oct. 5, 2016.

“It's great for the city of Sault Ste. Marie to showcase its ability to put on events,” said Mayor Christian Provenzano. “It's not every day you get to go down the street and watch an NHL game.”

Carolina General Manager Ron Francis, a Sault Ste. Marie native and former Soo Greyhounds forward, spoke of the excitement of having a game in his hometown.

“I appreciate the city of Sault Ste. Marie and the Greyhounds organization for all of their hard work on this,” Francis said on the phone during the announcement. “We’re looking forward to next fall.”

“This game presents a unique opportunity for our team to play in such a storied hockey market,” Sabres General Manager Tim Murray in a prepared statement. Essar Centre is a terrific venue, and with the recent upgrades made to the arena, I'm positive this game will be a tremendous success.”

On Ice Management Group President John Graham said a cold call to the Essar staff helped pave the way to some upgrades to the building ahead of the game.

“Initially we were looking out west,” Graham said. “The way it broke down, we made a cold call to the building here and got talking to (Essar Centre Manager) Rob (Santa Maria) and Nick (Apostle).

“We told them what we needed to make it happen in the way of changes and try were very impressive,” Graham added.

The main upgrade sees the Essar Centre planning to upgrade the current glass in the arena along the boards.

The staff of the Ontario Hockey League’s Soo Greyhounds will also play a role in the game-day functions of the event.

“The Greyhounds are thrilled that Sault Ste. Marie will be hosting an NHL game and is looking forward to contributing to its success,” said Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis. Not only will this be a great event for our loyal hockey fans, but it is something that will bring the whole city together.”

Tickets for the game go on sale to the general public on Dec. 7 at 10 a.m.

Greyhounds season ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase their own seats for the event beginning Wednesday night. 

The announcement was broadcast live by LOCAL2.ca. Go there now for a replay.

The following is a release from Essar Centre:

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On Ice Management Group Inc. in association with the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste Marie are pleased to announce that the Carolina Hurricanes will host the Buffalo Sabres in an NHL pre-season game, 7:07 p.m. October 5 2016 at the Essar Centre as part of the 10 year anniversary for the venue. 

The Soo Greyhounds inaugural game was played October 11, 2006.

“The city has a great hockey history, the venue works well for a preseason game, but it was the city’s energy and passion that made this game possible. I want to thank Mayor Provenzano and city staff for their efforts, we are looking forward to a great game” said John Graham President of On Ice Management Group Inc.

“This is exciting news for hockey fans throughout our community. It’s going to be a great thrill—especially for younger fans—to see NHL players and top prospects face off at the Essar Centre. I’d like to commend our city staff for their good work in making this event happen,” said Mayor Provenzano. 

“This game presents a unique opportunity for our team to play in such a storied hockey market,” said Sabres General Manager Tim Murray. “Essar Centre is a terrific venue, and with the recent upgrades made to the arena, I’m positive this game will be a tremendous success.”

“I know how passionate the people of Sault Ste Marie are about their hockey and I feel fortunate that I am in a position to bring NHL hockey to my home town,” said Hurricanes General Manager Ron Francis. “I want to thank Mayor Provenzano for all his hard work in making this happen, as well as Tim Murray and the Buffalo Sabres organization for agreeing to come play us. I am really excited to be coming home to the Soo and having a NHL game being played in such a fine building like the Essar Centre.” 

The Essar Centre will work with the staff of the Soo Greyhounds for the execution of the event relying on their expertise of game day functions and management.

“The Greyhounds are thrilled that Sault Ste. Marie will be hosting a NHL game and is looking forward to contributing to its success. Not only will this be a great event for our loyal hockey fans, but it is something that will bring the whole city together,” said Hounds General Manager Kyle Raftis.

The Soo Greyhounds season ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase their seasons tickets for this event beginning Wednesday December 2 at 5 p.m. until Sunday December 6 at 5 p.m. at the Essar Centre Box Office only. 

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday December 7 at 10 a.m. 

Tickets range from $99 - $120 which includes taxes and surcharges and can be purchased at the Essar Centre Box office, online at www.essarcentre.ca or by calling 1-866-775-9422.  

Group tickets of 10 or more may be available for purchase on a first come first serve basis.  Please contact Nicole at 705-759-5254 for more details for groups. 

Are you interested in watching the game with 40 of your closest friends, colleagues or teammates?

The VIP Suite will be available to rent for this game. Contact Nicole for more details at 705-759-5254 before 12 p.m. on FridayDecember 4, 2015. 

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