For a last-second town, the tickets are moving rather swiftly.
As of this morning, no more than 750 passes remain for next Thursday's Subway Super Series game pitting Russia, a squad that will make up the lion's share of that country's world junior championship squad, and Team WHL, featuring junior stars who are vying for the privilege of suiting up for Canada over Christmas.
The remaining ducats breakdown goes like this -- roughly 500 of the green seats, another 120 standing room spots, and 125 suite passes. The stated seating capacity of CN Centre is 6,000, a number that fluctuates based on standing room and suite allowances.
"Sales have been very steady from the beginning, and it's picked up in the last couple of weeks," said Brandi Brodsky, vice-president of the Prince George Cougars the host organization of the Canadian Hockey League event that will be televised live on Rogers Sportsnet One (tape-delay on other Rogers Sportsnet channels).
"We have regular conference calls with the CHL, the WHL and the Kamloops Blazers, who are hosting the game the night before, and I can't give out numbers on Kamloops, but our sales numbers are very strong. All along, I've been pleased with how Prince George has responded to this game. It's going to be fun.
"We've never had any worries, and we've hoped for a sell-out from the beginning. We're sure that's going to happen."
Prince George products Brett Connolly of the Cougars and Ryan Howse, the sniper forward of the Chilliwack Bruins, will be in the spotlight for Team WHL. Both played in the series last year as well.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. that night, and the puck drop will happen at 7 p.m. after the pre-game festivities. Local vocalist Dawn Boudreau will perform the Russian national anthem.
"We're using our Cougars volunteers, but we've also invited all the volunteers of the (BCHL Prince George) Spruce Kings to help out as well, if they would like to," said Brodsky.
"The Cougars players will be watching the game, we have seats for them, and it will be an official team activity for them. They are excited."
That's not all. An announcement due today -- 1:30 p.m., CN Centre -- is being billed as another boost to the event.
Brodsky wouldn't show her cards on what will be unveiled other than to say the team will reveal the Team WHL honorary captain. An autograph session will be set up during the first intermission for the special guest, presumably a big name in the hockey world, to sign memorabilia.
