IceGators vs IceGators
It may not have been the real thing, the score really didn't matter and the official opening to Hockey seasons won't be till Thursday but you wouldn't have know from the smiles on the faces of hockey fans in Acadiana. On Saturday the weather welcomed several thousand Ice Gator fans from around the world to the new home of the IceGators Blackham Coliseum. It was a time for sharing memories and looking forward to making new ones.
The night was officially remembered as "15" as IceGators Legends returned to help remember the past and raise funds for Rob "Weiny" Weingartner and his family to help overcome his bout with colon cancer.
Food was everywhere which is what you would expect in Acadiana and south Louisiana. IceGator fans caught up with old friends and still familiar faces getting acquainted again for the first time in what seemed like ages. History and memories flooded faster than any new fan could possibly absorb. A good time was had by all.
The early auction was a success and was definitely aided by the former IceGators who came to give a tribute to their friend for life "Weiny" as emotions ran high on the weekend but totally in a positive vein.
With so many former players some who never played together it was a little confusing to see some players playing out of position but it didn't take long for that weird feeling to subside. Without a real rooting interest and not having a grasp on the new players the game was interesting to say the least but a game no one in attendance will soon forget.
Were there glitches? Yes, sound needs to be tweaked; there were complaints about some kids running wild (a proof of success for some) and from certain angles the white net tended to blend in with the ice that will take some getting used to. Aside from production value that will be improved as the staff becomes acquainted with the new surroundings there is no doubt Blackham is an excellent venue to appreciate live hockey action.
Oh yeah one more note, the IceGators won 10-8.
To see the real thing come out Thursday night when the IceGators take on the Mississippi Surge in live SPHL action.
Quote
