The End of an Era: Saying Goodbye to the Alaska Aces

The Alaska Aces – one of this state’s gems. This team let us feel proud of our boys, and geared up to enjoy a good night of hockey and fun. But, unfortunately, now it’s time to say goodbye. After this season, you will no longer be able to bring your Alaska winter car hires to see the Alaska Aces play.

Reasons behind the team’s end

Team owners explained the difficulty behind the decision, citing financial burdens and the economic downturn as the final deciding factor. They explain that deliberations lasted months before a decision was reached.

It’s a sad fact that Alaska’s economy is not up for supporting the costs of a professional hockey team. Owners detailed the severe effects of job losses in Alaska, including $262,000 drop in season ticket sales and 1500 decrease in spectator numbers per game. It’s not just local spectator funding that’s down either. Sponsorship revenue fell $600,000 this year alone. In an age that’s concerned about keeping up with bills and putting food on the table, professional hockey teams need to take a break.

However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Who knows if the end of the team is permanent? The ownership team applied for Voluntary Suspension of operations – could that mean the team may restart with an upsurge in the economy? We can only hope.

In the meantime, let’s remember the great memories that this team has offered. Feel free to share your stories of taking your Alaska winter car hires to an Aces game in the comments below.

Season ticket refunds

Already put money down on a season? Don’t worry. You’ll get your money back. Owners expressed an apology towards loyal fans who have already placed a deposit on season tickets for the 2017-2018 season. All deposits will be refunded in full.

Catching the last few games

Fortunately, the season doesn’t end until April. That means that you still have a few more chances to take your Alaska winter car hires to see the Aces play before they cease operations.

Their first 7 games of March are unfortunately away games, with the Utah Grizzlies, Colorado Eagles, and Rapid City Rush. However, they come back to Alaska for a home game facing the Cincinnati Cyclones on March 15 at 7:15pm. Following that, they have 5 more home games throughout the month, each beginning at 7:15. These are March 17 and 18 against the Cincinnati Cyclones, and March 24, 25, and 26 against Rapid City Rush.

On March 29 and 30 they are away again to play the Fort Wayne Komets and the Quad City Mallards, respectively. They face off against the Quad City Mallards again on April 1, before finishing the season in their home rink. Their final three games will take place on March 5, 7, and 8 against the Idaho Steelheads.

Buy your tickets now to make sure you catch one of these games in your Alaska winter car hires before it’s too late.

A sad loss for Alaska

The loss is a substantial one for Alaska sports fans. The Alaska Aces held the role of Alaska’s only professional team. With their end, comes also the end of Alaska’s professional sports. Fans across the state are devastated and heartbroken by the news. For these fans, the team offered more than just somewhere to take their Alaska winter car hires on a Friday night – they bolstered state pride.

Stories and photos have been shared, signed jerseys worn with pride and nostalgia, and a small tingle of hope lingers on that this isn’t really the end – just a little road bump. Only time will tell.

For now, we honor the 15 year long history of the Alaska Aces. We thank this team for bringing Alaskan pride throughout the Southern 49 and to our own community.

Don’t miss the final games of this great team. Reserve your Alaska winter car hires from Avis today.