The Plymouth Whalers have played the current Ontario Hockey League champion to start a new season in four consecutive seasons, six times since 2002. Plymouth hosted 2002 champion Erie to start the 2002-03 season, played in Kitchener in 2003 and 2008, opened the season in Windsor in 2009 and 2010 and now will play in Owen Sound against the OHL champion Attack to begin the upcoming season.
In keeping with the tradition, the Whalers start the 2011-12 season on Wednesday, Sept. 21, in Owen Sound.
Saturday night continues to be the primary home date in Plymouth, with 18 games slated for Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at Compuware Arena. Plymouth plays at home on 10 Fridays at 7:05 p.m., will play three matinees on Sundays at 2 p.m. (Nov. 13 against Erie, Feb. 12 against Saginaw and Mar. 11 against Owen Sound) and hosts the annual Kid’s Day game on Wed. Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. against London.
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The Whalers will play four pre-season games in 2011-12: a Sat. Sept. 3 game against Windsor. Tentatively set for Compuware Arena, the game may be moved to a neutral site. Plymouth played a pre-season game in Brighton in 2009 and Chelsea in 2010.
Plymouth’s schedule features 28 games with their West Division rivals (eight each against Saginaw and Windsor and six each against Sault Ste. Marie and Sarnia) while 20 are against Midwest Division opponents. The remaining 20 games are against Eastern Conference teams.
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The Whalers have made the OHL playoffs for 20 consecutive seasons – a current OHL record. After missing the playoffs as an expansion team during the team’s inaugural season in 1990-91, Plymouth has qualified for the playoffs in every other season in their history. The Whalers bring back a full roster this season and expect to be in the middle of the competitive Western Conference playoff race again in 2011-12.
The Whalers have enjoyed a 20 percent increase in attendance over the past three seasons. Single-game seats can be purchased for $16 for Center Ice seating and $12 for Executive Reserved. Season tickets for the 34-game home schedule start at $295. In addition, the Whalers offer a host of affordable group ticket plans, Mini and Flex ticket packages and family value packs. More information can be found by calling 734-453-8400.
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