December 5, 2007
Breaking News: Worcester to Host AHL All-Star Classic
David Andrews, American Hockey League President and CEO, Michael O'Brien, Worcester city manager, and Michael Lehr, president and CEO of the Worcester Sharks, at today's announcement.
David Andrews, president and CEO of the AHL said Worcester’s bid – consisting of a summary of the amenities available at the DCU Center and throughout the city – was the best league officials have ever seen.
“This was a no-brainer for the league,” he said.
Worcester Sharks President and CEO Michael Lehr said bringing the All-Star Classic to the city has been a goal for the team since it came to Worcester in 2006.
“This will be a collaborative effort, just as bringing the Worcester Sharks to the city a couple of years ago was,” he said.
The two-day All-Star Classic will include the league’s all-star game, a skills competition and community events where fans will be able to mingle with players. The event’s dates have not yet been set, but it will take place around the middle of the hockey season, in late January or early February, league officials said.
The AHL develops 83 percent of National Hockey League players, Andrews said, and more than 92 percent of players who take part in the all-star event go on to the NHL.
City Manager Michael O’Brien said the classic will “showcase our city to the nation and Canada.”
O’Brien has made bringing additional meetings and conventions to Worcester a priority. Earlier this year, he helped established Destination Worcester, an organization based out of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, to attract convention business to the city.
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