Iowa Stars Hockey

Friday evening, Linda and I went to see the Iowa Stars in their second preseason game, their first at home this season, second this week against the Peoria Rivermen. Tuesday evening, our Stars had travelled to Peoria and suffered a 7-4 defeat.

As we approached the arena, a couple asked if we were going to the game; when we said yes, they offered us a pair of tickets. They explained that, as season ticketholders, they received pairs of complimentary tickets and we were the lucky recipients. Nice!

We made our way in, looked around, gathered schedules, and headed for our seats. They were GREAT! Behind and to the right of the visitor's
goal, eight rows up. Unfortunately, the Tri-City Storm, a USHL team in town for the Buc Bowl, had taken up residence in and around them. We decided that there were plenty of seats to go around and took a spot a few rows up and to the right. From this close, the size of the players and speed of the game were very clear and the sounds were great.

Scoring started off slowly and anger was building. Having just played a few days prior seemed to have left some unsettled business between some of the players. More than once, the hockey action was halted due to fights of one form or another. Peoria seemed to have a score to settle with our number 54; he was involved in the first real hockey fight of the night and, in the third period, I saw a recurring battle of words and bumps with Peoria's number 12. Scoring picked up and the Stars rallied and ultimately won 4-2.

As the seconds were winding down, I had a hunch there was still some business to be settled. Sure enough, as the horn sounded, 54 and 12 squared off in front of us. Our guy kept his helmet and jersey on much longer than theirs and, in the end, put their man on the ice. I'm guessing that's still not settled but it'll be a while before they meet again.