Hockey Night: Your Guide to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins first entered the American Hockey League in 1999. In October, they will begin their ninth season in the AHL as they continue to compete in the East Division of the Eastern Conference. The Baby Penguins are the NHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins bring droves of people to the arena for each of their 40 home games. In 2002, they set the AHL record for most consecutive sell outs. What made this feat even more remarkable is that although the Penguins were eliminated from Calder Cup playoff contention, fans continued to show up and buy tickets. The standings didn't matter; Northeast Pennsylvania got behind the team for action packed hockey right up until the last regular season game in April. Although attendance is dropping off for some games, there are some nights when rival teams such as Hershey or Philadelphia will be in town and the arena fills up right to the 300 level.

If you can't make it to a game in person, there are other options for catching all the action. If you live in the area, you can tune into 92.1/100.1 QFM, the Pens' flagship station. WNEP's all news channel on Adelphia cable broadcasts select games. For those without access to either these radio stations or Adelphia, you can listen on the Internet on wbspenguins.com or pick up the B2 network for only $6.

Since their inception, the Pens have made the playoffs for seven out of their nine seasons. They have made two trips to the Calder Cup Finals; in 2001 against the former Saint John Flames and in 2004 against the Milwaukee Admirals. Their most magical run came in 2004, when they eliminated heavily favored teams such as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and the Hartford Wolfpack to advance to each round up until the Finals.

Each year brings a crop of fresh talent to the team, from rookies acquired in drafts and from college hockey, to veterans of the AHL. From the beginning, these players work hard to make their mark on the team and their efforts do not go unnoticed. The players contribute in different ways, whether they are having a fistfight at center ice or racking up 30 goals through the course of the season. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Booster Club presents a player of the month award to the player who has had the best playing stretch. Even the league offices in Springfield take notice. Penguins players have earned the AHL Player of the Week award, goaltender of the month, and even goaltender of the year.

Another thing that hasn't gone unnoticed is the players' presence within the community. At the beginning of each year, a season kickoff party is held at a popular bar and restaurant in town. The public is invited to get autographs, take pictures, and socialize with each member of the team. During the year, players make individual appearances at different sponsored bars, restaurants, and stores throughout the Wyoming Valley. Sometimes the lines are so long that they creep towards the outside of these places.

Players are also actively involved in charitable efforts. This season, defenseman Matt Carkner was named the AHL Man of the Year thanks to the AHL noticing his presence within the community. Carkner organized his teammates to buy Christmas gifts for underprivileged children and raised money for cancer by shaving his head and wearing a special warm up jersey during a March home game. A lucky fan won his jersey in a raffle as well as the chance to cut his hair. Another fan won the prize of shaving another players' head. All the money raised through the raffles went to the American Cancer Society.

During the season, individual tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster, ordering through Ticketmaster online, or visiting the Wachovia Arena box office in person. The individual game prices change each year so at the beginning of the season, make sure to get the latest information from Ticketmaster regarding pricing for each seating area. A ticket ticker on the Penguins website gives a look at how many tickets are left for upcoming home games.

For those interested in attending games on a regular basis, the Penguins offer full or partial season ticket packages. Full season tickets are available for a period of one year, three years, or five years. 12 and 22 game packages, along with 10 ticket flex books, are available for purchase. Prices vary based on which of the seating zones (red, gold, and blue) you want your tickets in. Each season ticket package also comes with different benefits such as merchandise discounts, first preference for playoff seating selections, the right to purchase additional tickets, and an invitation to the season ticket holder party.

At select games, different promotions are offered to the fans. Past promotions have included bobblehead dolls, team photos, AHL All-Star posters, baseball caps, and game worn jersey cards.

With the start of the season a little over three months away, today is a perfect time to find out about season ticket packages. For more information, you can visit www.wbspenguins.com or contact a ticket representative at 570-208-PENS.