Lake Erie Monsters Handing Out Bobblehead Shaquille O'Neal Dolls Friday Night

At 7-1 and 325 lbs., Shaquille O’Neal is a “Monster” for Cavalier opponents to deal with on the basketball court. Can you imagine a hockey opponents fear with the thought Shaq speeding toward them on the ice in skates with stick in hand about to hit the boards?! Although a Shaq bobblehead is considerably smaller than the man himself, this Friday, O’Neal’s bobblehead will still create a great deal of fear-free excitement for Monsters fans at Quicken Loans Arena.

When the Monsters take on the Texas Stars this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at The Q , the first 10,000 fans through the turnstiles will receive a Shaquille O’Neal Lake Erie Monsters bobblehead, compliments of FirstMerit Bank. The bobblehead, standing at seven inches in height, features the Cavaliers Lake Erie-sized center in a Monsters jersey and outfitted from head to toe in hockey equipment.

On top of receiving the Shaq/Monsters limited edition bobblehead, fans at Friday’s game will also be able to take advantage of affordable food and beverages, as it is also a Dollar Dog Night, with hot dogs and all 16 oz. Pepsi products being sold for $1 compliments of Sugardale, Pepsi and FOX Sports Ohio.

Twenty year old murder suspect Damien Gantz has surrendered himself to police. Gantz was named as the prime suspect in a the murder at an ATM in East Cleveland last week that was caught on video tape.

Terry Fitten, a 49 year old who was using an ATM on Forest Hills Boulevard and Superior Avenue., was shot two times in the robbery and could not be revived when rushed to nearby Huron Hospital.

Gantz was named as the person of interest in the case a day after another man had turned himself in for the murder but was released without charges.

Beginning October 1, 2009, Veritix will become the exclusive ticket service provider for both primary and secondary market ticket sales for Quicken Loans Arena, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Lake Erie Monsters. The Cavs first implemented Veritix's patented Flash Seats technology for season ticket holders in 2006, and will now utilize the technology for all arena events, including concerts, special events, family shows, and more.

According to the Cavs, the benefits of this new technology include:

* Convenience of entering The Q with the swipe of a credit card or driver’s license
* Eliminates worry of lost, stolen or counterfeit tickets
* Tickets can be purchased digitally, so no need to print at home or stand in line for will call
* Ability to transfer or sell single or season tickets instantly in the only authenticated, team-guaranteed online secondary marketplace
* 24 hour support system

If you haven't made plans for the weekend yet, here is a great way to spend an evening. The Lake Erie Monsters are hosting Toronto Marlies at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The game features great promotions with $1 Hot Dogs, a Bobblehead promotion of the teams mascot Sully, and free skating for the entire family after the contest ends.

The Lake Erie Monsters defeated the Manitoba Moose 5-4, as Chris Stewart scored in overtime to capture the victory on Saturday. Stewart's overtime goal came following a Manitoba score by Brad Moran with less than a minute left in regulation.

Mark McCutcheon, David Jones, Wes O'Neill, and Mark Rycroft all scored during regulation for the Monsters, and Johnny Boychuk added to assists. Jason Bacashihua did an outstanding job for the Lake Erie team, making 42 saves in the game.

On Manitoba's side, Greg Classen had two goals and one assist, and Jannik Hansen also scored one for the Moose. Michael Grabner and Mason Raymond added two assists, while Cory Schneider blocked 34 shots.

Haven't made it down to the Quicken Loans Arena for a Lake Erie Monster game yet? There is a great chance to join in on the excitement that hockey is back in Cleveland by heading down to the Q to watch the Monsters take on the Manitoba Moose on Saturday night.

With the weather getting cooler by the day hockey season is in full force. Hockey is definitely a cold weather sport so Club Cadet and Sports Radio 850 WKNR have teamed up for a great giveaway. Fans will be giving a Lake Erie Monster's blanket that will make a great holiday gift or will keep you warm while you watch the Monsters this winter.

If you are too busy doing holiday shopping on Saturday, you may want to take advantage of the Monsters traveling around the greater Cleveland area and showing off their skills at area ice rinks. The new team will appear at the following locations:

The city of Cleveland welcomes hockey back to the Quicken Loans Arena tonight. The team plays in the American Hockey League and is the highest affiliate to the Colorado Avalanche. Cleveland was left without a hockey franchise in since the 2006 season ended and the Cleveland Barrons left the city due to poor attendance. That may not be as big of problem with the 'Monsters' (despite the bad team name) as it is owned by Dan Gilbert, and judging from Cavaliers games, he knows how to put on a good show that is well worth the price of admission.

The team has a number interesting promotions starting with tonights magnet schedule night and next weeks "Post-game skate with Mascot" which will open the rink to spectators.