Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

MAYOR GIULIANI ANNOUNCES NEW YORK CITY WILL HOST
NHL BREAKOUT 2001

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and New York City Sports Commissioner Ken Podziba today announced that New York City will host NHL BREAKOUT 2001, the National Hockey League's off-ice hockey tournament and fan festival. The event, featuring two days of street and in-line hockey tournament play, open to all ages and abilities, will be held at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum and on the Hudson River Park's Pier 84.

"This weekend thousands of spectators will visit the historic Intrepid and Pier 84 to participate in the interactive fan festival and cheer on the more than 80 in-line and street hockey teams participating in NHL BREAKOUT 2001," Mayor Giuliani said. "The NHL Breakout is a unique opportunity for the youth of our City to enjoy the sport of hockey at a fabulous venue with great views of our world famous skyline and the Hudson River."

"NHL BREAKOUT promises to be a fun-filled weekend," Commissioner Podziba said. "It is a wonderful opportunity for New Yorkers to improve their hockey skills or learn how to play the sport in this exciting interactive festival."

"NHL BREAKOUT New York has traditionally been one of the most exciting stops on the tour," said Alysse Soll, Vice President, Fan Development, NHL. "New Yorkers are among the most knowledgeable, passionate hockey fans and participants. That the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum and the Hudson River Park's Pier 84 have chosen to host NHL BREAKOUT 2001 lends a dynamic element to this tour stop, and underscores the uniqueness of the City of New York.

New York City's NHL BREAKOUT weekend begins on Friday, July 13, with the NHL Diversity Task Force's youth clinics. More than 150 under privileged children from throughout the City will be taught the skills of the game by NHL personnel. The NHL Diversity Task Force's mission is to introduce the sport of hockey to boys and girls of all backgrounds.

On Saturday, July 14, competition will begin in all divisions and the interactive festivities will be highlighted by the presence of the New York Rangers' number one pick in the 2001draft, Dan Blackburn.

Since its inception, NHL BREAKOUT has enjoyed the participation of more than 1.5 million spectators and players worldwide. More than 300,000 spectators and fans are expected to participate in the 2001 tour, which will culminate with the NHL BREAKOUT The Championships.

For more information on NHL Breakout 2001, visit www.nhl.com.