Al MacIsaac to deliver Keynote Address as 11th Class enters ECHL Hall of Fame

The ECHL announced on Thursday that the 2018 ECHL Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be presented by BFL CANADA & Sutton Special Risk and will take place on Monday, January 15, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites with Chicago Blackhawks Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations, Al MacIsaac, to deliver the Keynote Address.

During the event, the 11th Induction Class will enter into the ECHL Hall of Fame during the formal dinner, featuring Induction Ceremonies, players from the ECHL All-Star Teams, and several of the NHL and ECHL’s most prestigious trophies as part of the 2018 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic.  The Induction Class will be announced in December 2017.

MacIsaac has been a part of the Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Operation’s staff for 18 seasons, previously serving as Senior Director of Hockey Administration/Assistant to the President. A 2014 inductee into the ECHL Hall of Fame, MacIsaac had an illustrious career in the ECHL both on the ice and in the front office, before advancing to the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks.  MacIsaac captured an ECHL Championship in 1992 as a player with the Hampton Roads Admirals and in 1998 as General Manager of the Norfolk Admirals. He was also selected to the 1993 ECHL All-Star Game as a member of the Admirals. In 2008, MacIsaac was inducted into the Admirals’ Hall of Fame.

“This is sure to be a special induction class as part of our 30th Anniversary Season,” said Ryan Crelin, Chief Operating Officer for the ECHL. “As we reflect on those who have come before us to make the ECHL the great league that it has become, this is the perfect event to honor our Players, Coaches, and Founders, who have built the foundation for the league to grow on.”

Tickets for the 2018 ECHL Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony can be purchased by visiting ECHLAllStarClassic.com or by calling the Indy Fuel front office at (317) 925-FUEL. A limited number of seats are available, so reserve your space early.

“BFL CANADA Risk & Insurance Services Inc alongside our strategic partner Sutton Special Risk are honored to be invited back to sponsor this exciting event,” said Nellie Lindner, Vice President, Film & Entertainment for BFL Canada.  “BFL is passionate about the spirit of hockey and will continue to support the ECHL Hall of Fame.”

“Sutton is excited to once again sponsor this year’s prestigious Hall of Fame event with our friends from BFL CANADA,” said EVP & COO of Sutton Special Risk, Carol Graham.  “We look forward to congratulating the 2018 inductees, and celebrating the ECHL’s 30th Anniversary Season.”

ECHL Hall of Fame members are selected in four categories: Player, Developmental Player, Builder, and Referee/Linesman. Players must have concluded their career as an active player for a minimum of three playing seasons, though not continuous or full seasons. Developmental Players must have begun their career in the ECHL and went on to a distinguished career in the NHL, playing a minimum of 260 regular season games in the NHL, AHL and ECHL. Builders may be active or inactive whereas Referee/Linesman must have concluded their active officiating career for a minimum of three playing seasons.

No more than five candidates may be elected to the ECHL Hall of Fame each year with no more than three Players, one Developmental Player, two Builders and one Referee/Linesman. The Developmental Player, Builder and the Referee/Linesman categories are dependent upon the number of candidates in the Player category.

The nomination and/or selection of candidates will be determined by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee and its Chairman Patrick J. Kelly.

Only members of the Selection Committee, the Board of Governors, teams or persons affiliated with the ECHL may submit official nominations which must be made in writing to the league office. Fans are encouraged to contact their team to propose names for nomination.

About the ECHL

Began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 27 teams in 21 states and one Canadian province for its 30th season in 2017-18. There have been  who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including 10 who have made their NHL debuts in the 2017-18 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 26 of the 31 NHL teams in 2017-18, marking the 21st consecutive season that the league had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com as well as on Twitter and Facebook.

About BFL CANADA

BFL CANADA was founded in Montreal in 1987 by Barry F. Lorenzetti. He was quickly joined by others who shared his vision, and from then on, the company grew by the constant addition of professionals who were recognized as leaders in their niches. Today, with offices in ten cities across the country and close to 600 employees, BFL caters to the needs of clients, large and small and from all industry segments.

About Sutton Special Risk

Since 1978, Sutton Special Risk has responded to the unique insurance needs of our clients worldwide. We got our start providing professional sports insurance, and since then we’ve grown into a premier provider of Life, Disability, Accident, and other products and services for a broad range of clients. With our consultative approach, underwriting expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional service, we can ensure your clients are protected against life’s risks.