BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Binghamton Senators announced today the details of the “40 Years of Hockey Night” presented by Matthews Auto which is set to take place Friday, Jan. 4 at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena as the team hosts the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
The late Jim Matthews, of Matthews Auto, is credited with bringing professional hockey to Binghamton in 1973. Over the next 40 years the city became host to five professional hockey teams: Broome Dusters (North American Hockey League, 1973-77, American Hockey League, 1977-80), Binghamton Whalers (AHL, 1980-90), Binghamton Rangers (AHL, 1990-97), B.C. Icemen (United Hockey League, 1997-2002) and the current Binghamton Senators (AHL, 2002-present).
The first 2,500 fans through the gate as doors open at 6 p.m. that night will receive a commemorative poster featuring the logos of each of Binghamton’s five professional teams.
The B-Sens will then begin the night by recognizing the Matthews family during a special pre-game ceremony set to begin at 7 p.m.
Former players and mascots representing the city’s previous teams will be on hand for the evening’s festivities.
Former players attending are:
· Peter Dineen – Binghamton Whalers
· Peter Fiorentino – Binghamton Rangers/B.C. Icemen
· Frank Hamill – Broome Dusters
· Max Hansen – Broome Dusters
· Eric Kelly – B.C. Icemen
· Roger Kosar – Broome Dusters
· Patrice Robitaille – B.C. Icemen
· Rick Willis – Binghamton Rangers/B.C. Icemen
The former players will participate in the pre-game festivities and will sign autographs on the concourse during the first intermission.
Additionally, former Binghamton Whalers and Rangers public address announcer Dave Whalen will be on hand to announce the B-Sens starting line-up and all first period announcements.
Fans are encouraged to visit the arena concourse during the intermissions to view a special memorabilia display, a jersey collection curated by the MeiGrey Group featuring authentic Dusters, Whalers and Rangers jerseys.
American Food & Vending will mark the occasion with an "old time" concessions special of $1 popcorn.
Fans that make a B-Sens merchandise purchase of $10 or more that night will be entered to win a Broome Dusters replica jersey.
Also that night, the B-Sens will be wearing special jerseys featuring the “40 Years of Hockey” logo. The jerseys will be auctioned off post-game. Fans who wish to participate in the auction are encouraged to visit the merchandise stand located on the main concourse of the arena to sign up.
Tickets to the game are $19 for side and $18 for end seats. Fans can purchase tickets through the B-Sens executive office by calling (607) 722-SENS (7367), the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena box office, and all Ticketmaster outlets.
-Go B-Sens Go-
