Advice for getting hold of NHL tickets please

[rich76]

My brother and I are planning a little road trip in western Canada next springtime, hoping to take in some NHL games in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver (the games we were hoping to see were Canadiens @ Canucks on 15/02/2009, Canucks @ Flames on 17/02/2009 and Flames @ Oilers on 21/02/2009 [also Hockey Day in Canada I think])

We're both coming over from England having never seen an NHL game (but we have been to Canada quite a bit in the summertime before)

What are the chances of getting tickets to any of these games specifically? They're obviously all quite high profile.

What would the rough process be? Somewhere like ticketmaster? How many are generally left over after season ticket holders have had their take?

Any advice welcome! Cheers.

[rubecube]

www.ticketmaster.ca

[mmanzz]

Typically you may be able to get general admission tickets for those games. They are all considered regional "Derby" matches. Use ticketmaster.ca.

[getbak]

You've picked three games that will sell out almost instantly.

The Habs haven't been to Western Canada since early 2006, the Nucks are always a big draw in Calgary, and not only is it the Battle of Alberta, but HDiC, so that'll be a tough one too.

Keep an eye on here, and the teams' websites for specific on sale date information. I don't know if being in the UK will help or hurt your chances of getting through on ticketmaster.ca.

Consider yourself lucky if you're able to pick up tickets to even one of the games through the official channels, for face value. Keep in mind that all three teams have large season ticket bases, so only a limited number of tickets ever even get released to the public.

You should probably plan to have to go to the secondary market (scalpers) to get your tickets. Stubhub.com is probably your best bet (and one that ensures you don't have to deal face-to-face with slimy scalpers) for buying tickets on the secondary market. You will likely have to pay more (possibly much more) than face value for the tickets, but if you want to go to the game, it's what you'll have to do.

There's also the possibility of contacting each team's PR department directly, explaining your situation and seeing if they can help you acquire tickets for the games. Also, post here (and the other team's message boards, if you can stomach it) asking if anyone is willing to sell you tickets to those games to help a couple of guys from the UK see their first live NHL games.

[FurnaceFace]

I haven't talked to one of my contacts yet to see if he renewed tickets, but if this year is the same as last I should have about half a set of seasons. I typically only go to half a dozen games in those seats and end up selling the rest to friends or some people here. I'll try and keep that game in mind and see if I can grab those tickets for you. I'm on vacation when that game is on anyway so no big deal for me. If you end up with a better source of tickets go for it as mine are not a sure thing right now.

Cheers.