For NHL games to return, Wichita needs strong showing for Saturday’s Blues exhibition

Wichita is set to host the first NHL game in the city’s history when the St. Louis Blues and Arizona Coyotes face off in an exhibition game at 7 p.m. Saturday at Intrust Bank Arena.

Here are three things to know before you go to the event being billed as the “Frozen Face Off.”

1. A good showing from Wichita could mean the NHL returning

It’s a historic achievement by G1 Sports & Entertainment, a local investment group co-founded by Tien Huynh, to bring the game to Wichita.

But bringing just one NHL preseason game was never the plan. That’s why they want to impress on the Wichita community how important it is for there to be a good crowd for Saturday’s debut game.

“This is our chance to show out and show the NHL and really show professional sports teams that if you come to Wichita, we’re going to treat you well and the crowd is going to support you,” said Brian Hargrove, president of G1 Sports & Entertainment. “The people I’ve worked with on the Coyotes and Blues are all very excited about coming here. They’ve heard the stories of Wichita in the NCAA tournament and they’re excited to see what kind of atmosphere they will have for this game.

“It’s very important for the city to show up and for us to put on a first-class event for these teams and players coming from out of town.”

Tickets for as cheap as $19.75 to Saturday’s NHL preseason game in Wichita can be purchased through the website of Intrust Bank Arena.

2. Expect more than just a hockey game

A regional draw like the St. Louis Blues coming to town is sure to bring out the local hockey die-hards and season ticket holders for the Wichita Thunder.

While they will be able to appreciate the high level of hockey being played, Hargrove knows the majority of the crowd will be looking for entertainment from the first NHL game in the city’s history.

“Fans can expect three hours of fun and entertainment,” Hargrove said. “We don’t want this to just be a hockey game. We want this to be something that is fun and entertaining for everyone and an annual event that families can bring their kids to.”

Starting at 6 p.m., one hour before the puck drops, there will be music and inflatables for children to play on located in the south plaza of Intrust Bank Arena.

There will be an array of mascots roaming the crowd, ranging from local mascots in Thunder Dog (Wichita Thunder) and WuShock (Wichita State) to an NHL mascot in Howler the Coyote from Arizona.

During intermissions and timeouts, Hargrove promised entertaining promotions and giveaways for the crowd. Wichita native Chris Mann, who was a finalist on The Voice in 2012, is slated to sing the national anthem.

“Whether they’re a hockey fan or just wanting to be a part of a first-time event in Wichita, we want to make this a fun experience for everyone,” Hargrove said. “We’re trying to do a lot of extra-curricular things outside of the game that will really make people see this as a must-see event and want to come back in the future when it comes back.”

3. Come for the 60 minutes of hockey, stay for the guaranteed shootout

Thanks to a new twist introduced last year, NHL preseason games can end in a shootout regardless of the score if both teams agree to it.

Hargrove confirmed that the Blues and Coyotes have both agreed to put on a free show after regulation.

Regardless of the final score in regulation, three players from St. Louis and Arizona will attempt to score in a 1-on-1 shootout with the other team’s goalie.

“Most people say the shootout is the most exciting play in hockey,” Hargrove said. “It’s just a fun thing added to the end of the game for the fan experience just so Wichita fans can see what an NHL shootout is all about. It should add to the excitement and hopefully people will stick in their seats at the end of the third period.”