My son and I had a blast at the Marlies game this afternoon. It was super fun for several reasons.
1. Media Credentials are Cool
That's right, the Marlies contacted me and invited me to attend a game. They set me up with media credentials which meant James and I wore special stickers that essentially gave us complete access to the Ricoh Coliseum. As cool as that was, we also got $16 in food coupons, although $16 doesn't go very far at a Marlies game.
2. Dream Seats
Wearing these stickers meant we could have sat in the media box, but I had another idea. I have never watched a professional hockey game from the first row and tonight that 34 year streak was going to end. We sat ourselves in the first row just to the left of the net we shot on for periods 1 and 3. We were literally in the game, we were those guys you see banging on the glass after big hits. These were my dream seats and brought a whole new dimension to the game.
3. Wendel Clark
We all got to watch that Wendel Clark video tribute they aired the night #17 was hoisted to the rafters of the ACC and then Wendel Clark himself came out onto the ice for an encore. It was a great start to the game.
4. Great Game
The biggest reason we had a blast at the Marlies game was the fact we got a great game. Down by one in the third, we tied it up and eventually won it 4-3 over the Rochester Americans in an extended shootout. This is my fifth Marlies game and I've enjoyed every one of them.
Marlies Notes
Justin Pogge let in two soft goals. Admittedly, I too indulged in the Pogge kool-aid at one time, but now I think it's safe to say he isn't what we thought he was going to be. I don't think he's an NHL starting goaltender. On the positive side, Jiri Tlusty will be back. He's too good to be a Marlie. And hopefully, Robbie Earl will find his way back too. I love the way he plays, and he was great again today.
Now I just need MLSE to grant me media passes for Leafs games...
