Checking out the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena

Linda and I have been wanting to see some of the other USHL venues and, being in Cedar Rapids, we stopped in to see them play. When we walked into the arena, the flashing green lights on the police officer's glasses were pretty amusing. The number eight Budweiser car Dale Earnhardt Junior drove at Martinsville in the spring was on display and attracted a decent crowd.

Very early in the first period, the referee took a shot from the puck or stick that drew blood under his left eye. There was a significant stoppage as medical staff worked to get the bleeding stopped so that play could continue. Soon, the game was back on but we checked from time to time.

The game went well and the home RoughRiders got off to a good start against the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets. The RoughRiders won four to three but the game was in doubt as the final minutes were winding down. One of the Cedar Rapids traditions is to rattle their cow bells during the last minute of each period; that's some kinda racket!

It was fun to see a new arena and see a good game to boot!