LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (March 7, 2016) --- Forget about March as being basketball’s month for Madness, instead it’s hockey madness all month long in Lake Placid, N.Y. The madness begin Sunday, March 13, when ECHL hockey rivals the Adirondack Thunder (Glens Falls, N.Y.) square off against the Reading (Pa.) Royals in the first ever regular season professional hockey game in the Olympic Center. Just 15 games remain in the regular season as both teams battle for position in the upcoming playoffs.

The Thunder (Calgary Flames) lead the Royals (Philadelphia Flyers) by just seven points for second place in the league’s eastern division.

Started in 1988, with just five teams, the ECHL is one of only two minor leagues recognized by the NHL. More than 500 players have advanced from the ECHL to go on and play in the NHL. Today, 28 teams make up the league, from Glens Falls to Utah and each team play a 72 game regular season schedule.

WHO: ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder (33-18-2 – 79 points) vs. Reading Royals (28-23-5 – 72 Points), http://echlthunder.com/stats/league_standings/

WHEN: Sunday, March 13, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Lake Placid Olympic Center, Herb Brooks Arena 1980 Rink

For more information visit http://www.whiteface.com/events/adirondack-thunder.

Media credential request form attached to advisory. Complete and return the form to Jon Lundin, ORDA director of communications, Email: JLundin@orda.org, Fax: 518-523-9275. Credentials must be returned no later than COB Friday, March 11, 2016.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.