I was watching the Portland Winterhawks vs. Spokane Chiefs playoff hockey game and marveling at how few people were in the stands. It's game 7 of a GREAT playoff series! This game had everything, goals, hits, fights, and sudden death overtime in a game 7! While I realize that this is not a hockey crazy part of the country, it is a very entertaining event. If you have never been to a Winterhawks game, you need to check it out. Tickets are fairly reasonably priced, as low as $10, and very fast paced.
I remember being a high school student, back in the early 1900's, and the Winterhawks were consistently drawing 8000 people. The Rose Garden had a ton of energy, and it was a great presentation. However, something has happened over the last 10 years or so. The ownership group has changed a couple of times, and they are just now starting to get back to where they should be. That is the good thing about junior hockey, it's like college football in the sense that the players are constantly changing so the turnaround can be quick. A common misconception about the Winterhawks is that people think they are a pro team. This is not the case, the players are only 16-20 years old! They are often times high school students or potentially freshman or sophomores in college! Once you wrap your head around this, you’ll see how impressive these kids really are!
I realize the Winterhawks will not compete with the Blazers, Beavers, or Ducks for fan passion, but they are a great way to get the family out of the house for an evening. These kids play hard, and do it for the love of the game and to prove something, not for the money. I know it’s nearly the end of the season, but if you get a chance, check out a game. If you can get to one of their playoff games that are coming up, do it, YOU WON'T BE SORRY!
For more information go to their website: http://www.winterhawks.com/
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