CC hockey ticket sales enjoy first uptick in years

For the first time since the 2005-06 season, season ticket sales for Colorado College hockey have gone up.

As of Friday morning, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association member had sold 232 more season tickets than the previous season with several weeks left before the Tigers open exhibition play against Lethbridge on Oct. 2.

CC sold 4,294 season tickets for 2009-10 with 4,526 sold this offseason after a price drop was announced this spring, said Scott Lowenberg, assistant athletic director, marketing.

Lowenberg said the ticket prices and incoming freshman Jaden Schwartz, the No. 14 pick in the 2010 NHL draft, were the two factors buyers mentioned.

There are only 30 lower-bowl seats left out of the 1,500 CC season tickets remaining at the 7,343-seat World Arena. Most are available along the upper bowl sides, which cost $229. Only 125 of the cheapest ($149, upper corners) remain, Lowenberg said.

“It’s very exciting to be ahead,” he said. “We think the sales will improve even more in the next couple years.”

Air Force sales going strong

Air Force has sold 1,258 season tickets so far compared to 1,265 last season, said Chris Peludat, academy assistant athletic director-tickets.

The Atlantic Hockey Association member added 200 season tickets at center ice on the eastern side of the 2,470-seat rink, leaving 207 available at a cost of $120 apiece.

“Last year we sold out (of season tickets) for the first time ever,” he said. “We’re real happy to be at the same spot as last season.”

The Falcons host Lethbridge for an exhibition Oct. 4.

Bill Sweatt excited about prospects in Vancouver organization

Former Tiger forward Bill Sweatt is excited about his chances to advance in the Vancouver organization. Training camp opens next month.

His foray into free agency concluded Thursday when he signed a three-year, two-way deal for the entry-level maximum $900,000 with additional performance bonuses, according to his agent, Scott Norton. His pay depends on how much he plays in the NHL or with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League.

“It was nice to finally get it done,” Sweatt said. “There wasn’t much difference in the (various) offers so the choice was more about the opportunity for me to play in the NHL in the next couple years. I don’t want to put any limitations on myself but it will be tough to crack the lineup (this fall) unless I have great camp.

“Vancouver is a first-class organization and they have a good development program in Manitoba.”