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Canisius, HARBORCENTER announce playoff plans

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Fri, Mar 6th 2015 05:15 pm

Pregame reception, fan packs and youth hockey focus highlight next weekend's games

Canisius College director of athletics Bill Maher and HARBORCENTER president John Koelmel have announced plans for the Golden Griffins' Atlantic Hockey quarterfinal series at HARBORCENTER.

Next weekend, Canisius will host a yet-to-be-determined opponent in a best of three playoff series at HARBORCENTER. In addition to the three games, attending fans will enjoy a playoff atmosphere that includes pregame, in-game contests, promotional giveaways and special ticket packages as the Griffs battle for a berth in the Atlantic Hockey Championships in Rochester, March 20-21.

"HARBORCENTER has become an entertainment destination in Western New York, and the Atlantic Hockey Playoffs will provide championship atmosphere for this series," Maher said. "The events that are planned, combined with exciting NCAA Division I college hockey action, make this another must-see event in Buffalo."

"We are very proud that Dave Smith and his Golden Griffins have had such a successful regular season, their first at HARBORCENTER," Koelmel said. "And we're excited to further enhance the fan experience enjoyed by many throughout the last four months with an even higher-energy atmosphere as college hockey playoff action comes to HARBORCENTER for the initial time. We're confident that strong fan support will help carry the Griffs to the 'Frozen Four' of the Atlantic Hockey Championship in Rochester as they pursue their ultimate prize of a berth in the NCAA Tournament."

With a 15-7-6 league record, the Golden Griffins have earned the second seed in the Atlantic Hockey Tournament and a bye into a best-of-three quarterfinal round Friday, March 13 (7:35 p.m.); Saturday, March 14 (7:35 p.m.); and Sunday, March 15 (if necessary, 5:05 p.m.) at HARBORCENTER.

Prior to the Friday and Saturday night face-offs, (716) Food and Sport will cater a HARBORCENTER playoff happy hour from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the fan concourse on level seven above First Niagara Rink at HARBORCENTER. For $12, fans will receive admission to both the game and the happy hour, where they can enjoy free appetizers, drink specials, live music and Canisius hockey promotional giveaways.

Families and small groups wishing to enjoy Atlantic Hockey playoff action can take advantage of the Canisius Hockey "Fan Pack," where they will receive four tickets to the game, four hot dogs, four soft drinks, a bucket of popcorn, and two HARBORCENTER pucks. The cost of the package is $39.99.

Youth hockey teams interested in attending the games can purchase tickets for $5. In addition to the special group rate, each player will receive a free Canisius hockey T-shirt. Contact Ashley Dilcher (716-855-4589) for further information.

Attendees at all games will be treated to Canisius hockey giveaways, the popular chuck-a-puck contest, and a split club 50-50 raffle with a minimum guaranteed payout of $500 Friday and Saturday.

Complimentary parking will be available in the HARBORCENTER ramp for all ticketholders with proof of ticket purchase.

Tickets for the Canisius games are available online at ticketmaster.com or by calling the Canisius box office at 716-888-2885. Fan packs can be purchased by using the following link: www.harborcenter.com/canisius.

Canisius' Atlantic Hockey quarterfinal playoff series is part of a weekend in downtown Buffalo that also includes home games for the Sabres and Bandits. Fans are encouraged to leave extra time for travel to HARBORCENTER.

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