IceGators 2.0

[RCAJUN90]

As the season draws to a close I thought it might be nice to list the things we like and don't like about this new version of the IceGators.

Pros
1. Hockey is back
2. It is affordable
3. Plenty of weekend games
4. Blackham is being used. Call me crazy but I like how close you are to the action.
5. We have a down to earth owner that keeps us informed

Cons
1. The crazy way the season started with what 4 coaches?
2. Level of play. It is at least one step below the ECHL. I caught the Sea Wolves last game last year they would have laid waste to every team in the SPHL.
3. The SPHL is so small. It would be just a division in the ECHL or CHL. You see the same teams over and over. In the ECHL you had the illusion you were part of a big time league with all the teams from all over the country.
4. Lack of entertainment at the game. I know the money isn't there but in the IceGators hey day my kids loved all the extras and fun during intermission. Hey at least make the Gator girls where bikinis and let the cold ice work its magic!
5. I'm very disappointed at the attendance. Acadiana is not supporting this team. Some of best sports memories including all the Saints games I've been to were those of the 12,000 crazed fans in the Cajundome supporting the IceGators. 5,000 could rock Blackham in the same way. Wouldn't it be great to have a packed house for the IceGators and then for the Ragin Cajun hockey team?

Wish List
1. Better IceGator team.
2. SPHL expansion into more Southern cities (not in LA).
3. More 2:00 Sunday games. I'm coming today because of it. I couldn't make the trip from NOLA and back without the early start time and expect to make work on Monday.
4. More support from Acadiana
5. More entertainment between periods

Anyways I wanted to thank Mr. Danny Smith for bringing them back and being such a personable owner and keeping us all informed.

[dannysmith]

Thanks for the praise and recommendations. This has been an unbelievable rollar coaster ride. I have learned so much, most of it the hard way. While I am enjoying the close of this season, I am bursting inside for next year. I am working on the 2010-11 budget this weekend. The beginning of this season was very difficult. The installation of the rink was such a cumbersome task, is really hurt our marketing and promotion. There were only so many days and so many hours in the day to get everything done. I am very excited about the acquisition of Dave Berryman. I know his return has been low key, but his influence is being felt very strongly in the front office. The gameday entertainment was lacking. Offseason promotion was soft. These items are on the top of the list and I am confident you will see 200% improvement. The crowds were lighter than everyone expected, but I am not disappointed. I looked at the crowd after each goal we scored and noticed almost every person was standing and chomping. Our fan base is very strong. To have that many fans being so enthusiastic for a team that had such a poor start makes me anxious to get to work on next year. That being said, there is still some hockey to be played this season. The boys have strung together three straight wins and are going to make this interesting. Thanks for your continued support, see you at the frozen swamp.

Danny
danny@icegators.com

[chicken]

A few months from now no one will remember the rocky start .I can tell the diffrence in the last month with Daves arrival . Sponsors , prizes , fan interaction . No matter how the season ends this team has played just as well as any other team in this leauge lately. The attendace is up and down but some nights I'm think damn people are coming back , They will come back . Glad to have hockey back it has been a family thing for us all season and my son has even started playing hockey . Count me in for four season tickets next year ! Keep shooting at them Danny ! Thanks Geaux Gators !


igeaux.mobi

[SheGator]

I also think this season was really rough for the fans, the team, and for Danny. I figured there would be a few hiccups because it was a different arena, different league and we weren't sure what to expect. We needed to get ourselves established and, unfortunately, it took most of the season to start seeing wins and to work out kinks in the Blackham.

I think we've gotten used to what kind of play we can expect to see, but I do hope we have better attendance next season. I think most of the fans have finally warmed up to the idea of playing in the Blackham. It made me lonesome at the beginning of the year to drive in front of the Cajundome and know we would never play there again. But the more we played in the Blackham, the more I liked it. I've learned that as long as I can watch my team play, see my old hockey buddies, and have someone dedicated to keeping the team in Lafayette, I don't care where we play.

I know Augusta is adding a team for next season...should be interesting. I would love to see teams in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Beaumont.

My husband Bryan and I are definitely looking forward to season tickets for next year. The only complaint that I have recently is that the bar keeps running out of Crown Royal....LOL. What is up with that? Please have Crown flowing at all times please!!

[Turbine]

I read where the WildCatters will be playing in the CajunDome this year. I think that is a big mistake.

I hope the IceGators stay at Blackham. If they do the atmosphere will become legendary.

jmo

[SheGator]

I read where the WildCatters will be playing in the CajunDome this year. I think that is a big mistake.

I hope the IceGators stay at Blackham. If they do the atmosphere will become legendary.

jmo

The Cajundome and Greg Davis are a money-sucking black hole. Greed is so ugly.

[Ejt6125]

Sure I miss the Cajundome, but I have to admit that I do like the up close feel. I think the Blackham would be great packed out with fans! I sure hope they can get more buts in the seats. It would fantastic for the Gators to be longterm in Lafayette!