From Kerry Fraser former NHL referee.
I attended the Philadelphia Flyers' home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday afternoon. I drove into the Wells Fargo Center parking lot two hours prior to game time and found it overflowing with festive 'tailgaters' garbed in their favorite player jersey and celebrating the return of the game.
When the doors opened, fans were issued complimentary bright orange T-shirts with a message beneath the black Flyers logo that read LET'S GO! I walked the concourse prior to taking my seat in the press box and felt the energy generated by the sellout crowd similar to what I experienced so many times during Stanley Cup Playoffs and Final.
The building became even more alive when their hometown heroes were introduced individually through a cloud of smoke and lights. The scoreboard high above center ice played messages from players and Flyers owner, Mr. Ed Snider thanking their loyal fans for sticking by them. The fans cheered with delight when each message was broadcast.
I am sure this took place and will take place in home openers all around the NHL.
Here's a must-share story I witnessed firsthand at the game which demonstrates the true heart of a hockey fan. At the end of the first period, a 32-year-old unemployed iron worker from the Atlantic City Union exited the complimentary seat he was given and was about to enter the concourse area.
Wearing the "Giroux" captain's jersey the fan purchased that very morning in hopes of getting it signed by his favourite player someday was a dead giveaway as to his team loyalty. This hockey fan was about to walk past a mother and her little girl (age 5) when he noticed that the child was wearing a surgical mask over her mouth.
The absence of hair on her little head along with her look was an indication that the child was a cancer patient. The blue collar fan then paused and asked the little girl if she was a Claude Giroux fan? As the child nodded he removed the brand new Giroux jersey, handed it to the little girl and said, "You are an angel and I would like to give this jersey to you."
The little girl beamed with excitement and commented to her mother that the jersey had the new "C" on the front. The good Samaritan Flyers fan simply walked away with a tear in his eye. The name of the fan is being withheld at his request because like most acts of kindness, he did not want to bring attention to himself. I felt the need to bring attention to the act of one terrific hockey fan and human being.
Event such as these demonstrate why hockey fans are the greatest fans in the world and make me so proud to be part of the game. Welcome back hockey fans. You are truly the GREATEST.
When the doors opened, fans were issued complimentary bright orange T-shirts with a message beneath the black Flyers logo that read LET'S GO! I walked the concourse prior to taking my seat in the press box and felt the energy generated by the sellout crowd similar to what I experienced so many times during Stanley Cup Playoffs and Final.
The building became even more alive when their hometown heroes were introduced individually through a cloud of smoke and lights. The scoreboard high above center ice played messages from players and Flyers owner, Mr. Ed Snider thanking their loyal fans for sticking by them. The fans cheered with delight when each message was broadcast.
I am sure this took place and will take place in home openers all around the NHL.
Here's a must-share story I witnessed firsthand at the game which demonstrates the true heart of a hockey fan. At the end of the first period, a 32-year-old unemployed iron worker from the Atlantic City Union exited the complimentary seat he was given and was about to enter the concourse area.
Wearing the "Giroux" captain's jersey the fan purchased that very morning in hopes of getting it signed by his favourite player someday was a dead giveaway as to his team loyalty. This hockey fan was about to walk past a mother and her little girl (age 5) when he noticed that the child was wearing a surgical mask over her mouth.
The absence of hair on her little head along with her look was an indication that the child was a cancer patient. The blue collar fan then paused and asked the little girl if she was a Claude Giroux fan? As the child nodded he removed the brand new Giroux jersey, handed it to the little girl and said, "You are an angel and I would like to give this jersey to you."
The little girl beamed with excitement and commented to her mother that the jersey had the new "C" on the front. The good Samaritan Flyers fan simply walked away with a tear in his eye. The name of the fan is being withheld at his request because like most acts of kindness, he did not want to bring attention to himself. I felt the need to bring attention to the act of one terrific hockey fan and human being.
Event such as these demonstrate why hockey fans are the greatest fans in the world and make me so proud to be part of the game. Welcome back hockey fans. You are truly the GREATEST.
