SAVANNAH (Florida Sports Wire) — The Savannah Ghost Pirates, in conjunction with the ECHL, announced today the selection of Savannah as the host city for the 2024 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Gulfstream.
The game will take place in January 2024 at Enmarket Arena and will also include the official induction ceremony of the 16th Class of the ECHL Hall of Fame, as well as the All-Star Fan Fest. Ticket information, Fan Fest details, All Star Game format and more will be announced at a later date.
“The Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic allows us to showcase our League’s best talent on the ice each season, while also celebrating our sport in the host city,” ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin said. “As such, the opportunity to bring this event to our newest market in Savannah and partner with Gulfstream, the area’s largest employer, while already having a passionate fanbase is going to make for an outstanding couple of days to bring hockey fans together and allow our guests to enjoy all the history and landmarks that Savannah has to offer.”
“The greatest City in the world is ready to roll out the red carpet for the 2024 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic, presented by Gulfstream,” Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said. “We will work with the Ghost Pirates to show the world that Savannah is now also a hockey town!”
The Ghost Pirates have shattered ECHL records in ticket and merchandise sales in their first season of existence, welcoming a capacity crowd of 6,876 fans to 21 of their 24 home games this season.
“We’d like to thank the ECHL Board of Governors and Commissioner Ryan Crelin for their enthusiastic response to our request to host the All-Star event,” Zawyer Sports President Bob Ohrablo said. “This is a tribute to our fans, Gulfstream and all of our sponsors, Ghost Pirates partners, Oak View Group and City officials who have embraced our team. This will be an opportunity to showcase Savannah and the Ghost Pirates internationally.”
Zawyer Sports also owns the Jacksonville Icemen.
The annual Midseason showcase is attended by representatives from the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League and since its inception, has produced 70 players who have gone on to play in the NHL, including 54 since 2002 when the format was changed to feature younger prospects.
Since its inception, the ECHL All-Star Game has produced over 70 players who have gone on to play in the NHL, including over 50 since 2002, when the league changed the event’s format to feature the ECHL’s up-and-coming talent.
