It’s hockey time everyone and even though we live in Florida there’s plenty of ice action to watch and my family is right there front and center when the puck drops here in Orlando. Our two seats rarely go unused especially since they’re just three rows up from the glass and we get to witness every bone-crushing hit, acrobatic save, and laser-fast slap shot first hand. There’s no way to adequately describe the emotion and energy that comes from the crowd when a good goal is scored or a member of the home team "Defends The Den.“
My wife and I started going to hockey games way back in the days when Mario Lemieux, Ron Francis, and Kevin Stevens ruled center ice and Tom Barrasso protected the goal with a steel curtain. They went on to win the first of two back-to-back Stanley Cups. It was a great time to be from western Pennsylvania. Our love of the sport took a bit of a break when we first moved south but once the Solar Bears came out of hibernation three seasons ago, we can’t wait for the season to begin again. Our girls think all the players are the hottest men on earth (even though their significant others are sitting right next to them in the stands). I’m not so sure about the cute factor but I sure can appreciate the skill levels.
Florida may not traditionally be known as a hockey state but once you consider the huge number of people who’ve relocated from up north, it’s pretty darn obvious how we can support multiple professional teams. The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning play in the NHL while the Orlando Solar Bears and Florida Everblades play in the ECHL. There’s a whole lot of talent down here in the "Sunshine State” and a lot of fans that love watching them play. We’re a Penguins family at heart so don’t come in wearing a Flyers jersey.
Hockey isn’t just about the fights and violence contrary to what most people think. It’s about skill, teamwork, and a love of the game. Most of these guys grew up playing pond hockey during the winter which meant that their parents worried about broken bones and numerous bumps, bruises, and countless dollars spent on replacing equipment. Hockey families sacrifice quite a bit more than other sports. Just ask any mother that had to drive her son to practice at the crack of dawn.
Orlando puts on a very family-friendly show by ensuring that the kids are up on the big screen, dancing, making faces, and generally showing off to friends while the play on the ice is thrilling from end board to end board. The price of admission is pretty reasonable given the quality of the play and the love of the game exhibited be every player. It only takes a few games to figure out the basic rules since you only need to determine who the crowd is yelling at to grasp whether a penalty is in our favor or against us. Look no further than a local hockey franchise if you’re thirsting for an exciting evening.
Hockey gets in your blood once you’ve experienced the game up close and personal so don’t wait another minute before checking out a local team. The players may be on young side but they’ll never be short on heart and desire.
Brian “Beastman” Eastman
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