There is always something “special” about a home opener. Yes, the points count the same as any other regular season game; yes, it’s not the intensity of a playoff game; and yes; in reality it’s just signifies the start of a long grind.
Players, coaches, management and fans usually get excited about the first game at home. At this time of year, there is hope, promise, belief and confidence. How long the feeling continues varies from team to team and city to city.
The Prince George Cougars are considered a re-energized franchise as they prepare for their first home games under new ownership tonight (Friday) and Saturday against the Kelowna Rockets. The Cougars started their 72-game WHL regular season with a 6-3 victory in Portland followed by a 7-0 loss in Tri-City but now the focus has shifted to the scene at CN Centre.
P.G. fans attending games this weekend will notice a glaring difference in atmosphere compared to the last few seasons. It obviously starts with attendance. A full or near capacity building speaks for itself. There is no scientific proof how much a loud roaring crowd means to the home side but the energy it creates helps get the adrenaline flowing for players and spectators alike.
Many of us long-time local residents vividly recall the glory days of the late 90’s and early 2000’s where the Cougars were the pulse of the community with overwhelming support. The goal is to return to those days, but nobody can blame anyone for taking a wait and see approach.
The EDGEPRO Sports new ownership is focused on changing the culture of the team. A facelift was badly needed. Change takes time. It’s a process. Earning respect occurs over an extended period of time, however, a first impression is vital to the long term success.
Yes, winning is paramount, and the results eventually will be the judge how this “New Ice Age” Cougars will be graded, but never underestimate the significance of the “Off the Ice” team and the goodwill it promotes. Ticket holders want a memorable in game experience; an area the Cats organization controls.
There is a new electronic 50-50 system, new merchandise, and new goal horn, new music which includes an organ keyboard and even a new place for the Goat 94.3 radio post-game show which fans are encouraged to attend. Other noticeable changes will become evident upon entering the building.
Every team has giveaways and the Cougars promotions team has promised that the prizes will significant and memorable. There will be a souvenir for all that attend opening night.
Fans are too astute to be bought, but they welcome the genuineness. Hockey is big business, much more than a game. The public doesn’t mind putting its hard earned dollars back into its community as long as there is an appreciation at the other end.
It’s become a cliché or a crutch phrase that sports teams use when they suggest “it’s all about the fans or we have the best fans in the world.” Everybody likes to feel important. This weekend I believe it is about the Cougars fans. They have endured much frustration over the last several years but many are ready to return, at least give it another chance.
In the building, there will be a lot of reminiscing, hellos to buddies and acquaintances they haven’t seen in years, and a chance to smile and cheer while not feeling lonely. The good old days at CN Centre? Not quite, but it’s a much needed re-start.
From the Quote Rack:
A German FIFA executive says he doesn’t think the 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar. Because they’ve finally come to their senses on the heat? Or because someone is offering FIFA a bigger bribe?
Bill Simmons was suspended 3 weeks by ESPN for his profane rant about Roger Goodell where he called the commissioner a liar. 3 weeks. Guess he should have just taken a swing at Goodell in an elevator.
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
Marriot is now leaving envelopes so that guests can leave tips for housekeepers; except in rooms that LeSean McCoy is staying in.
You have not seen the last of Derek Jeter. When he throws out the first pitch next year at Yankee Stadium and it’s anywhere near the plate, Mets scouts will be all over him.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)
Dodger rookie Joe Pederson was sent by his teammates to go on a coffee run in full uniform at Wrigley Field. So does this mean that he’s the next DiMaggio, who later became known as ‘Mr. Coffee’?
Cole Custer, 16, became the youngest NASCAR event winner. Forget NASCAR—I’d like to hear HIS opinion on the Washington NFL team name change controversy.
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
Proof that bad things come in threes: CFL games on TSN1, TSN2 and TSN3 all had play-by-play by Rod Black.
German Oliver Struempfel broke the world record for carrying the most full beer glasses —27— at a competition in Germany. He’s favored in next year’s draft.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
And in case you missed it:
The first person to buy an iPhone 6 dropped it on live TV. Fortunately, no damage was done to the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver’s phone.
Comedy writer Gary Bachman
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for radio station TheGoat94.3 His column appears Fridays on hqprincegeorge.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller