And the winner is …

Tuesday night marks the culmination of the Maineiacs’ winter-long skating rink contest. Entrants were asked to submit photos of their backyard skating rinks, both with people playing on them and empty, and claim, in the email subject line, they had the best rink.

The team received more than 15 entries in their inaugural attempt at the contest, and some of the rinks have been, according to the team, eye-popping.

All hockey fans who submitted an entry will be invited to Tuesday’s contest against Shawinigan, where the winner will be announced. The winner will earn a play-date at his or her own rink that will include the Maineiacs.

Special night for ticket-holders

At the same Shawinigan game on Tuesday, the Maineiacs will offer a special deal for those holding season tickets, calling it “Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Night”

Season ticket holders will have the chance to “make the call” by having the opportunity to purchase up to 4 tickets for the Shawinigan game for whatever price they choose to pay, with the minimum box office fee of $1.00 per ticket as the only stipulation.

To take advantage of the offer, season ticket-holders only need to show their season ticket in person at the Colisee box office through 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

“This is a great opportunity as a season ticket holder to invite guests, friends, family and co-workers to come see live Maineiacs Hockey,” the team said in a news release.

In addition to “you make the call” ticket prices, there will be a number of special prizes offered through draws and contests for season ticket-holders only

The season ticket holder skate with the team is scheduled for after the game on Feb. 27.

Community involvement

The Maineiacs have held true to their word about getting out into the community this season. The latest example of the team’s involvement was Saturday, when the players pulled off a double appearance, attending the Crystal Lake Ice Fishing Derby in Gray, as well as Lost Valley Ski Area’s teen night in Auburn.

The latter event was part of a partnership between the team and Lost Valley. Hockey fans presenting a stub from a Maineiacs game will get $5 off their lift tickets at Lost Valley, and skiers with a lift ticket from Lost Valley get $2 off their ticket to see the Maineiacs play.

Playoff ticket packages

The team unveiled three options for people looking to pre-order this season’s playoff tickets.

Flyers were available at Friday’s game, and will be available from the Maineiacs going forward, offering hockey fans three options to choose how they want to watch the QMJHL’s second season. For more information, contact the team.