Hello guys and should be interesting at "The Joe" Friday

[ErocWolverine]

Hello guys,

I am a Michigan fan and went to both games when Michigan faced Bowling Green at Bowling Green. Nice atmosphere and would be nice to see Bowling Green have that type of atmosphere all the time along with the fan support.

Your team has been playing really well the past month and should be a interesting contest on Friday. Like others already said we split the last time so will be interesting how both teams come into the game on Friday night.

I am part of the GBMWolverine web site and would like to invite you all to check it out. We normally have our hockey articles Thursday and Friday or possible two on just Friday. Would love to see you guys stop by and see what you think.

I think our hockey guy is one of the best around covering Michigan Hockey and hope you stop by and give it a read sometime. Also come to the message board as well and we can get a good debate going.

[bgbill]

and here I thought I was the only one in Tiffin who followed colllege hockey

[Falcon Fanatic]

Welcome to the AZZ board! Nice to have you here, but we REALLY hope we beat you AGAIN!

GO FALCONS!!!

[ErocWolverine]

Should be a interesting match-up that is for sure especially only facing each other a couple of weeks ago.

Will the glass slipper finally break or will it continue?

You guys have been on a roll lately and personally somebody who has been following hockey for along time I am glad to see Bowling Green doing well. Now they need to pick it up during the season though and make people want to come to the games and pack that place like it was against Michigan.

A little off topic, but the one thing I am surprised about with the new arena that hockey was never considered to play in the Stroh center? Why is that? I mean other arenas handle both basketball and hockey and what a way to try and generate more fans, but to come into a new arena for your sport.

Not trying to say anything negative towards your ice arena or the history in that building of the glory years of the past, but it could use a lot of upgrades in many areas and also thought having it at the new Stroh center would possible get more student to these games since it would be a little closer to campus. Could have used the old ice arena for a practice facility still along with your other events that take place there?

Just curious?

[rood]

A little off topic, but the one thing I am surprised about with the new arena that hockey was never considered to play in the Stroh center? Why is that?

Dude, we've beaten that horse to the point that his bones have been ground into powder. I won't go into it, but be prepared for an onslaught.

[BGFan]

The ice arena is in the middle of several upgrades being done. If you wandered out in to the lobby you would have noticed several: skate rental, snack bar, curling ice conversion for open skate and youth hockey(it can also still be used for curling, of course). Concerning the arena area itself, the skate/gift/pro shop has been completely renovated. Brand new compressors for the ice have been installed, new, brighter lighting, and a brand new sound system. Also, in the east hallway you'll see a lot of the history of the program that wasn't there before. Furthor renovations that I won't go in to are planned as the next phase of the fund raising campaign picks up speed.

I've been to Yost several times....the only thing that it has going for it is the atmosphere on game day. I'll take our arena any day.

As for the Stroh...it's actually further from the campus than the ice arena.

[bgpuckster]

It was discussed briefly by some of the hockey supporters but supposedly it was a non-starter due to the extra costs incurred to change over from hockey to basketball or to a concert, etc, etc. At first I was in disbelief, but there were those that thought BG was actually trying to kill off hockey and that not putting ice in the Stroh was just another step in that plan. However, I am glad we are still in the Ice Arena as the noise due to that low metal ceiling can be deafening as I am sure you heard when BG scored the winning goal against your Wolverines in that Friday night game.

You're right, we need to play better during the season and we will if this is any indication. Our team is made up of mostly Freshman and Sophmores. They and the coaching staff (this is their Sophmore season too) seem to have turned the corner and hopefully it carries over and builds even more next season.

[Falcon1970]

The S. is no closer to campus than the Arena. Further that donor did not want any part of hockey, more still the program was on the chopping block
As far as the arena, with the renovations underway now its one of the best barns for home ice all college hockey. Its a great venue.
Keep watching the transformation, and good luck this weekend

[jpfalcon09]

When the Ice Arena is packed, its one of the loudest barns in college hockey. No reason to change something that is such a huge benefit when the place is packed, any player would want to play in that atmosphere.

[BGhockeyfan94]

Many years ago, when Ron Fogarty was the assistant coach, I believe it was a Notre Dame game, and we scored the goal to tie the game, Ron said that they couldn't hear each other talk on the bench because it was so loud. Also, an old Western Michigan player said when our rink gets packed and loud, it is one of the toughest places to play at. I just wish it was packed all the time!

[SicSicalum]

Many years ago, when Ron Fogarty was the assistant coach, I believe it was a Notre Dame game, and we scored the goal to tie the game, Ron said that they couldn't hear each other talk on the bench because it was so loud. Also, an old Western Michigan player said when our rink gets packed and loud, it is one of the toughest places to play at. I just wish it was packed all the time!

Give it time, my brother, give it time!! Saturday's game against UM brought back very fond memories of my youth:
-Standing back during the onslaught of students rushing to get their seats & then trying to sell programs.
-Folks standing on the stairwells, trying to get a peek
-Folks lined up "FIVE" deep along the glass
-Still standing in line to get a hot dog when the puck drops to start the period. And wondering which Falcon it was who scored.
-Walking out of our barn after ANOTHER thrashing of the wolves....... (And whoever else was visiting!)

Take heart - every indication is that Our Glory is rapidly on its way back!!!!!

Ps. I'm betting FF & BG Fan remember these days as well?

[gmartin]

I am being a realist. I loved our attendance against U of M however after next year it may be a tough sell to pack the place with us moving to a new conference and not playing teams like U of M, OSU, ND, MSU, Miami, Western as frequently. True, success brings people to the arena but the name of our opponent is just as important to fill those seats. It will take time to build up new rivalries and during this time our marketing dept will need to find a way to get our fans interested in these teams even with us winning.

[FalconTurf]

Hockey was THE event when I walked onto campus in the late 80's. LSSU, Ferris, UIC or whomever - didn't matter the place was packed. I think the decline in interest happened as the seats were added. More people attended but it wasn't the hot ticket that sold out. I believe changing some benches to chairs and eliminating the top few rows on the end for a nice video board would bring seating down to a point where it will become the hot ticket due to consistant sellouts. Leave the skate shop end for SRO and watch it fill up week after week regardless of opponent.

[BGDrew]

Not to thread jack but the Ice Arena's top priority needs to be a press are that can fit all the press. The current situation with coaches right next to journalists is less than ideal.

[gmartin]

Not to thread jack but the Ice Arena's top priority needs to be a press are that can fit all the press. The current situation with coaches right next to journalists is less than ideal.

THREAD JACKER. WAY TO GET US OFF TOPIC!!! But I have to agree. I nice area for tv cameras would be beneficial as well.