My hockey memories
I first started going to the Devils the season of 1999 back in the WNIR, a group of us used to stand ice level behind the goal where the zamboni would enter. As seasons went on we found ourselves watching the games from the balcony by the awesome Gretzkys bar. The highlight for me from the National Ice rink had to be the 2006 Challenge Cup final v Blaze. We had lost to Coventry the year before and were 3nil down after first leg, but what a game, what an atmosphere, what a night.
I loved our time at the BBT, the Voth years as I like to think of it, the hockey was so much fun, some unforgettable nights. There were also some forgettable ones prior to the new owners stepping in. The first roster that was built under the new ownership, has to be up there with the most entertaining I've seen, it had the BBT rocking every night. It also led to another highlight for me, which was the 2015 Challenge Cup final up in Sheffield, a 2-1 win over the Steelers. Celebrating with the team and owners across the road in bar afterwards was awesome.
Even though I hardly missed a game, it wasn't until we moved to the new rink that I became a season ticket holder. The Lordo era we were spoilt with success. I particularly enjoyed the CHL nights, some fantastic games against the best in Europe. Hopefully there's more to come under Dupes, I really like the look of this year's roster, can't wait.
Outside of my beloved Devils, I follow the Maple Leafs (sorry Steve), and in 2001 I managed to get to a game in Toronto to see the Leafs take on the Washington Capitals, it was great seeing the likes of Sundin, Roberts, Domi and Bondra, Gonchar & Adam Oates, players I'd only seen on computer games.
My greatest hockey related memory though came in 2011 at Shadow Creek golf course, Nevada, it was Michael Jordans annual Golf event. Where I managed to meet hockey legends Gretzky, Lemieux, Chelios and Brett Hull, what a surreal day that was, one I'll never forget.