March 15, 2016
The Philadelphia Flyers have been selected as the host team for the fifth annual CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, USA Hockey announced on Tuesday. The game will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Wells Fargo Center.
“We’re excited to be bringing this game to Philadelphia in concert with the 50th anniversary of the Flyers,” said Mike Bertsch, assistant executive director of events, marketing and communications for USA Hockey. “Fans will have the unique chance to see the future stars of the NHL all on one sheet of ice, and the players are in for a real treat as well with the rich history and rabid fans that are associated with the Flyers.”
The game, which has featured current NHL stars in the past -- including Jack Eichel (Sabres), Noah Hanifin (Hurricanes), Dylan Larkin (Red Wings) and Seth Jones (Blue Jackets) -- and has seen 15 players go on to be first-round draft picks, is limited to the top American-born prospects eligible for the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
"On behalf of the Flyers organization, we are thrilled to be able to host such a great event as this," said Flyers president Paul Holmgren. "Flyers fans, and hockey fans in general, will have the unique opportunity to see NHL stars of the future compete here at the Wells Fargo Center. We are sure fans are going to have a great time watching such a spectacle."
Previously, the event has been held in New York, Buffalo and Pittsburgh. And although the players chosen to play in the game won't be unveiled by USA Hockey until August, tickets go on sale this Thursday (March 17) at 10 a.m. by going to ComcastTIX.com, by calling 1-800-298-4200, or by visiting the Wells Fargo Center Box Office.
"This event is terrific in multiple ways," said Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. "It's a great showcase for the American player and highlights how far the sport has come in our country. It also gives us an opportunity to have some of the great American players of the past behind the bench to serve as coaches. And finally, it's fun for the fans to have the chance to see the next generation of elite players in our country, many who will wind up in the NHL."
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