IceDogs vs. Kingston
January 18, 2015
Last night, I was in attendance as the IceDogs took on the Kingston Frontenacs at the Meridian Center. It seemed like just yesterday that I went to my first game and now I've been to nine. Given that the IceDogs stole a point from a strong North Bay team the previous night, the old Jets (1979-1996 vintage) fan in me was expecting a major letdown with Kingston languishing near the bottom of the standings. I'm not happy to have been right.
I was privileged enough to be allowed entry without going through the latex glove treatment, though many still are having their bags rifled through, the targets seemingly chosen at random. I understand many are complaining about this treatment and I hope those complaints continue until this practice stops. Despite what they might claim, the bag searches have nothing to do with security. It's about concession revenue. Nothing more.
The people seated around me certainly did their part to increase that revenue. I continue to be amazed as to how many people go to sporting events to eat and pay exorbitant prices for the privilege.
When going through the concourse, I passed by our most capable organist, who was bringing in his equipment on a two-wheeler. I was surprised there wasn't some quasi-permanent installation and that he would have to unbox and box up all his gear for each game. I was equally surprised that he would be doing it instead of arena staff, but I guess wearing many hats is par for the course at this level.
GreatClips was set up in the south end giving free haircuts. As they announced before the game, it was something to do with Big Brothers.
The sight of this young woman sitting on the concrete floor behind the last row of seats presumably doing her homework was one of the oddest things I've ever seen at a hockey game.
After taking my seat, I noticed this guy going through a spirited workout in the visitors' penalty box. I would later find out that it was Kingston coach Paul McFarland. Evidently there was no space available in the dressing room or in the spacious hallway that runs behind both benches.
Once again, I noticed how badly smudged the glass in front of me was and it was no different anywhere else around the rink. SMG is a world-renowned facility management company, but I can only surmise that it's not in their contract that they have to clean the glass. Ever.
Singing the anthem was LauraLeigh Groppo, who also handles the in-game promotions. P.A. announcer Rod Mawhood introduced her before her performance. And after her performance. And after the game. He also introduces himself before the game. And after the game. Every game. Announcers who draw attention to themselves this way is a pet peeve of one loyal reader and it's quickly becoming one of mine. He is well-spoken and good at his job, but I go to games to watch the players, not hear him announce. I've been to hundreds of games in many other venues and I've never known or cared who the P.A. announcer was at any of them.
Incidentally, I encourage any reader who might be interested to check out LauraLeigh's Twitter feed (@LauraLeigh19) and note in particular what she was doing on the night of January 12. Six times. Maybe that might explain why she was so oddly unsure of herself as she sang O Canada. I'm baffled as to why anyone would post such a thing for public consumption.
Before the opening faceoff, the IceDogs also presented awards to the hardest working forward and “decenceman.” Unfortunately, I was too slow on the draw to get a picture as they flashed the misspelled details on the scoreboard.
The first two and a half periods featured some lackluster play, which drew the ire of the would-be Howie Meekers seated around me. “What are you thinking!” shouted one when Anthony DiFruscia, the IceDogs' resident agitator, took another of his signature foolish penalties as his team was in the process of frittering away a two-man advantage.
Despite the sluggish pace, the goaltending at both ends was surprisingly good. In my limited experience, I have found it to be the weakest position across the league. Graham Knott looked good and he's certainly setting himself up nicely to be a high draft pick this summer, but I think there might be some buyer's remorse coming from the teams who picked Brendan Perlini, Carter Verhaeghe and Josh Ho-Sang. The three members of the IceDogs' top line has been anything but dominant and it's awfully tough to win when your best players aren't your best players.
Off the ice, Bones came down to visit with some fans near me.
During the first intermission, he was being his usual playful self.
Trailing 3-1 in the third, the IceDogs rose from the ashes and scored twice to tie the score. They had Kingston on the ropes and looked primed for the kill until they pulled one out of the Jets' playbook and lost in overtime. At least they got a point out of it, but it was a point I'm not sure they deserved. Playing half a period isn't going to get it done.
Go Jets, er, Dogs Go.
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