From icecats@...:
SAFETY NETS TO BE INSTALLED

AHL and IceCats to Follow Suit With Arena Changes


WORCESTER, MA – From its annual meetings in Hilton Head, South
Carolina, the
American Hockey League (AHL) announced today that the 29 member teams
will
comply with the National Hockey League's (NHL) newly mandated rule of
end zone
safety netting for all arenas. An additional directive stated that
the
protective glass at the sides of the rinks be at least five feet
above the top
of the boards.


Worcester's Centrum Centre has been the proud home of the Worcester
IceCats
since the team's inaugural season in 1994. With a seating capacity
of 12,316,
the Foster Street institution will welcome back IceCats fans for the
2002-2003
home opener on October 19, 2002.


IceCats President and General Manager John S. Ferguson commented that
the
changes will improve the game for all. "This is an innovation that
will keep
more pucks in play and make the worlds fastest sport even faster. In
addition,
the increased spectator shielding will certainly contribute to an
improved
experience for all of our fans."


In an ongoing campaign for fan safety, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
initiated a
comprehensive study of arenas and the spectator environment. The
result was a
June 20, 2002 edict for all 30 NHL teams to install the end zone
safety netting
and adhere to the new glass rulings.


The height and design of the netting configuration may vary, due to
structural
differences from venue to venue, but must be of sufficient dimension
to prevent
pucks from entering the spectator areas in the corners and end zones
of the
rinks. These nets may be connected to the ceiling of the building
and extend
0.3m (1') beyond (below) the top of the glass to the top of the arena
or be of a
reasonable height.


AHL President and CEO David Andrews noted that installation of the
systems must
be completed as soon a practicable.