Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Puerto Rico to host first NHL game
08-12-2006

TORONTO, Canada (Reuters): The NHL will make its first visit to the Caribbean and last year's rookie sensation Sidney Crosby and the Phoenix Coyotes will return home for pre-season games, the league said on Thursday.

The Florida Panthers and New York Rangers will make the trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico for an exhibition game on Sept. 23, marking the first time the NHL has staged a game in the tropical Caribbean.

After abandoning Winnipeg and moving to Arizona in 1996, the Phoenix Coyotes return home to the Canadian prairies on Sept. 17 to face off against Stanley Cup finalists the Edmonton Oilers.

Halifax will also be the site of a home-coming when the Pittsburgh Penguins pay a visit to Crosby's hometown for a game against the Ottawa Senators on Sept. 19.

Perhaps the most unique venue for a pre-season game will be in Truro, Nova Scotia, which will host a contest between the Montreal Canadiens and Senators on Sept. 25 after nearby Salmon River was voted "Hockeyville" in a nationwide contest.

The NHL pre-season schedule runs from Sept. 17 through Oct.1.