[PAmedic]

SMOOTHIE and I were brainstorming at the game Fri nite about things we'd like to see improved at the LaHaye Center.

Overall, we graded opening nite a solid "B", but are compiling a list to send along to Coach- basically suggestions for some things that would help the atmosphere and establish LU home-ice advantage.

Anyone who likes- feel free to add to it:

• Organ
  Train whistle (SMOOTHIE DISAGREES)
  Red rotator(s) behind goals
  plasma screens for replays
  PA announcement of penalties
  Zamboni operator that knows how to shave ice
  MOVE THE LIGHT SWITCHES AWAY FROM THE FRONT DOORS
  better programs (include season schedule please)

[bigsmooth]

i agree with the medic on the list, but instead of the train whistle, i would prefer an organ. im sure there is an extra somewhere on LU's property. the lahaye center would rock after each goal. im also for some better on ice entertainment during the intermissions.( ice bowling being propelled by a slingshot while contestant is sitting on a round sled, youth leagues, primarily the midget or mites class, playing a 2-5 min. game.....brings in locals, hat-trick give-away- a fan registers and if they win they will toss hats with the sponsor in the stands. if an LU player scores a hat-trick then they win a grand prize). to bring in locals , stuff like this will help, but it is also fun for the students. you have to make the event more than just the game itself. also on the tv board idea, when a penalty is called have a brief video explanation of what the penalty is. people in non-traditional hockey markets, just need a quick education. the medic and myself heard many people wondering what the penalty was and so forth. just my 2 cents.

[SuperJon]

There's a ton of stuff you can do during intermission. Once the zamboni is finished and everything, you could have a shot contest. We did this at soccer games at Coastal. You get two or three people and start close up. If they make it, they move to the blue line. If they make that, they move to the other blue line or something. If they make all three they get a prize. Stuff like that isn't hard to come up with.

And yes, this is what my major actually does.

[PAmedic]

The only thing is the intermission stuff needs to be wrapped up prior to the Zamboni coming on so there is fresh ice for the next period!

[Sly Fox]

personally, I think a fire alarm after goals would fit the theme. We already have flashing red lights. In fact, why not add some more red lights for a firehouse theme.

[jimflamesfan]

Don't forget the obvious...SEATS...

I like the organ as well...Some disco balls would be nice when they have public skates...its cool to have public skates with disco ball light bouncing off the ice.

[PAmedic]

seats are coming dude. Lots of issues w/ zoning regs corresponding w/ available parking, etc (as I understand it). but some bleachers are in place- more are on the way. PATIENCE!

[SuperJon]

personally, I think a fire alarm after goals would fit the theme. We already have flashing red lights. In fact, why not add some more red lights for a firehouse theme.

There were no flashing lights on Friday night. It was sad. I almost cried. Not really.

[PAmedic]

Yeah, but Mrs 2b was hot- wasn't she? Told ya so.

(sorry- no more gloating. for a while)

[TIMSCAR20]

OK, I am getting into the act here on Flamesfan.com. I have only one other post so far but I see my boy Medic is up to 5000 already! Great seeing you in person last week buddy! Mrs. Medic 2B is a great lady. I am glad she was there to talk to Mrs SCAR....I like a lot of the ideas you guys shared about the hockey atmosphere. The truth is there were so many times we all should have been cheering but nobody wanted to or was not sure when to cheer. Icing, great saves, penalties against the other team hatricks (there had to be one with all the goals scored the other night). Supa J, I will have to remember to bring an old hat or 2 to the next game on Saturday night! All in all it was a fun night and big shouts go out to Smoothie, the medics and GMTM for a fun after hockey meal!

[PAmedic]

anyone w/ CONSTRUCTIVE suggestions on how to improve the game experience at LaHaye chime in- at the end of the week I'll assemble them into a somewhat coherent list and fire them off to Coach- we'll see what happens.

[LU Alumni Director]

The disco lights and other club lighting are just waiting to be installed, so not to worry, you will be able to free skate with them soon

[PAmedic]

I was telling SMOOTHIE when we were down there- I am NOT comfortable w/ the access that fans have to the players at this rink. There needs to be some sort of tunnel to the locker rooms, for the players protection.

OBVIOUSLY I don't think OUR guys are at risk on their own ice, but its just NOT a good idea to have (3) 19 yr olds in red vests protecting a visiting team when 2500+ crazy hockey fans (and alumni!) have THIS kind of access to the bench area:

[ATrain]

PAMedic, so far there have been no incidents. As long as that remains the case, I see no problem.

[TallyW]

That's right... it's not until the first player (who just got into a fight on the ice) cross-checks some fan because the fan was running his mouth that we should be concerned... (sarcasm)

Even a few guys in security shirts would be better than this picture... ALTHOUGH... The kid in the stripped shirt at the top of the picture came out of my youth department just a few years ago... so it's nice to see him getting along well

[PAmedic]

PAMedic, so far there have been no incidents. As long as that remains the case, I see no problem.

that is the most hideous statement possible, from a risk-management perspective.

I know you didn't mean it that way- but you CANNOT allow that situation to be even a "remote" possibility. Imagine World Cup soccer officials not being proactive until AFTER the first stampede at a finals. Obviously we're not talking about the same scale here, but trying to get 40 atheletes off the ice safely amidst 3000 hostile fans, possibly w/ no lights due to a random power outtage- Yikes

[bigsmooth]

it is a problem. college kids like to live dangerously, and i hope people are not crazy enough to believe that an LU student is not capable of mischief. all athletic events club, or intercollegiate need to have security presence. all it takes is one incident and you could be looking at very serious problems.

[jimflamesfan]

The same goes with the hockey puck warnings. I guess since there are nets around the goals, and the current stands on the side opposite the bleachers don't go above the glass, they feel that people are currently "safe" from hockey pucks.

But they still need to make an announce before the game and during the intermissions for people to keep their eyes on the puck.

Somehow, if someone tried to clear the puck with authority, and someone in the neutral zone deflected it about 90 degrees, it could end up on the bench side near center ice on the second floor where there is no netting (not likely, but possible).

[PAmedic]

Not that anyone's listening

I know the school has to be careful about the amount of support they can give a club program- but I've heard that the guys could really use some help with transportation.

HMO- how 'bout a dedicated bus for these guys? Since we're using city busses for shuttles, aren't there any available?

The D-2 team travels in a Grizwold-mobile (kidding) and I don't know for certain, but I'm betting the D-1 team isn't flying first class, either.

At least provide them with something a little bigger than an old GMC van.

They're doing the rest- I wish LU could/would step up a little.