Cheering the Bucs!

Surprise! Linda and I went to a Bucs game Wednesday night! It really is something of a surprise in that they were not expected to still be playing. As usual, the game was well played and I found myself on the edge of my seat at least once per period. The momentum started with the Bucs but, by the end of the first period, the Tri-City Storm was on the attack more often than not. The game was pretty even until the Bucs took a 2-0 lead; then the intensity moved up and the Storm were like a pack of wild dogs, chasing down everything with a controlled, caution-to-the-wind kind of chaos. At the finish, the 3-0 Buccaneer victory made it likely that they'd move into the Final Four competing for the USHL Clark Cup to defend their champion status.

There were a few things that were particularly memorable about this game. One was a bit scary when it happened. A player for the Storm went down hard and didn't really move much for a very long time. Their goalie called for medical attention who promptly got on a cell phone for an ambulance. As the gurney took him off the ice, he waved to the crowd who had already risen in ovation. It was one of the best displays by a home crowd I'd seen for an injured visitor.

Several minutes later, one of the storm was called for a penalty in front of their bench. The visiting coach vigorously discussed the call with the official. I'm not sure how far that conversation went but, as the official was moving to center ice to resume play, something more must have been said because the official turned, pointed at the bench and then pointed toward the locker room; someone was ejected from the game. Nobody moved. The official repeated the sign and one of the coaches started off the ice. He'd gone about twenty feet when the official pointed at him and motioned that he go back to the bench. The official then skated to the bench, very clearly pointed at the head coach, and ejected him. Of course, the crowd was very engaged in this minor theater and gave their coach ... or the official... another standing ovation.

I think we've gone full circle with attending Bucs games: the characters in the crowd are often nearly half the show. As much as I've enjoyed watching the games and learning about the players, the league, and the facility, the people who show up add a lot of color to the experience. The little girl in the upper left frame of the picture was doing the motions along with the playing of YMCA. The boy in the top right had one of the best collections of fan gear I've seen, even an eye-patch with skull and crossbones! He got up and danced about any time there was music. Later, he joined Air Guitar Guy "on stage" for a little jammin'; he even brought inflatable guitars for them to play! We've seen scary mothers, funny dads, women dressed fancy, women dressed grubby, possible nuns, infants, seniors ... and Greg; they've all been there supporting one of the great little events that Des Moines has to offer. I'm very glad we finally found it.
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News flash! The Bucs went to Sioux Falls and won 3-2; they're in the Final Four!