AEG to manage Whale business ops

Effective immediately, AEG Management CT, LLC ("AEG"), will manage all business operations, including marketing, sponsorship, ticketing and group sales for the AHL’s Connecticut Whale hockey team. AEG will work directly with Madison Square Garden (MSG) Sports to ensure business operations remain uninterrupted in Hartford. The Whale are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers, hockey operations for the team will remain unchanged.

Chuck Steedman, XL Center Senior Vice President & General Manager said, "We want to assure fans that AEG will continue to work tirelessly so that professional hockey has a future in Hartford. We are unequivocally dedicated to the ticket holders, community partners, and sponsors that support the Connecticut Whale." Steedman added, "We have personal and ongoing relationships with many of the team's supporters and recognize that they are essential to the overall success of the team. We are excited to continue Hartford's extraordinary hockey tradition."

"We appreciate the tremendous support the Whale has received over the past 15 seasons from fans and community and business partners in Hartford, and together with AEG we will work hard to strengthen and grow those incredibly valuable relationships,” said Scott O’Neil, president, MSG Sports. “We hope to see everyone at XL Center for the Whale’s 16th home opener in Hartford on Friday, October 12."

Jim Schoenfeld, Assistant General Manager, Player Personnel, Assistant Coach, NY Rangers and General Manager, Connecticut Whale added: "The experience that these young players gain while in Hartford is invaluable. The number of players on the Ranger roster with roots in the Whale organization is a testament to the ability of the team to help players become NHL ready. We look forward to another great season in Hartford this Fall."

The Connecticut Whale, and previously the Hartford Wolf Pack, have served as the AHL affiliates of the New York Rangers since 1997. During that time, it has been one of the most successful franchises in the AHL, reaching the playoffs in 14 of its 15 years in existence, and capturing the Calder Cup in 2000. The Whale has helped to develop a multitude of NHL prospects, including current Rangers Ryan Callahan, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto, Artem Anisimov, Carl Hagelin, Michael Sauer and Stu Bickel.

Whale season ticket and multi-game plan holders will be contacted by a dedicated Account Executive within the next two weeks. For those interested in purchasing tickets for the 2012-13 season, or with any questions regarding previously purchased tickets, please contact the XL Center Sales Office at (860) 548-2000.