Count me in

[goguard88]

Before this past spring, I was definitely not a hockey fan. I kind of hated it, to be honest with you. I never really gave it a chance. But, being the homer I am, whenever our teams do well, I like to follow along. I had been watching the Hurricanes' progress in the NHL standings in the sports section throughout the season, and I thought, "you know, they just might win it all, so I might have to tune in pretty soon". So when the playoffs rolled around, I took interest. I really started getting into it during the second round series against New Jersey. By the time the Stanley Cup Finals started, I was hooked. Whether they won or not, I knew I'd definitely be a hockey fan from that point on. Turns out, they did win it all, so that just made it even better. Since then, I've been itching for hockey season to start, and I've been looking forward to going to a Hurricanes game this season. However, I also remembered that I we've got hockey right here in Fayetteville to feed my appetite. So while I'll be lucky to go to 2-3 Hurricanes games this season, I hope to go to quite a few FireAntz games. That said, consider me the newest FireAntz fan. Spring and summer aren't the only seasons that I'll be heading to the Crown now. :)

I've got a question for you guys, though. I think goal horns are a big part of what makes hockey games so exciting. Whenever the Hurricanes score a goal at home, I crank up the TV volume so the goal horn will be as loud as it can be without me actually being there. So, my question is, do we have a goal horn? I hope we don't just sound the buzzer or something, because that'd be kind of lame.

[Guardfan3]

Welcome, 88, to the Antz. It is a great way to spend an evening. I am a season ticket holder, and a member of the booster club. I sit in the same place I do for football, but in hockey, I am behind the visitors bench instead of the home team. But I am still front row. I agree that it doesn't take long to get hooked. Some friends took me to a game the first year the Antz were here, and I have been hooked since. I have also gotten progressively more involved by joining the BC and I do more with them each year. If you are interested in joining that, let me know and I will keep you posted on events and things as we find out. Its also a great way to get to know some of the players a little better.

As for the goal horn, no, sorry to disappoint you. But to be honest, it doesn't bother me. I am too busy screaming to notice the lack of horn. When you are in the arena, the excitement and energy of the crowd takes over and it has nothing to do with the sound of a horn/buzzer. No offense, but if you think that what makes the game is the sound of the horn, then you still have a lot of learning to do. I think, at least I hope, that by the end of the season you will have a different opinion.

Once again, welcome to the Antz family. We can always use more fans. Bring your friends and get them involved, too. See you at the games.

[goguard88]

Perhaps I was misleading... I don't think that's a huge part of making a game exciting, I was just saying that it's one part of hockey which makes it enjoyable. I'm excited about the season starting, though. Exactly two weeks! :-)

By the way, how about the Hurricanes game in Atlanta tonight? Ray Whitney with the buzzer-beating goal to win 4-3! I've always wanted to see something like that happen. Maybe that's the boost we needed to get things going.

[#1 Guard Fan]

There are a few things that the Fireantz don't have that the Pro teams have but I think overall they put a very good produst on the ice. I think they may have learned what it takes to make a minor league team work in Fayetteville. VERY fan friendly and thats a big selling point in Fayetteville
GO ANTZ

[sphlfan]

I Have To Agree. I Think That The Antz Have Done A Good Job In Fayetteville. I Was In Fayetteville For The Force As Well As The Antz. Both Teams Have Done Well With A Good Fan Base. Had The Force Not Had Poor Ownership That Caused The Team To Fold, I Would Imagine They Would Still Be Around. I Am Not Sure What Tickets Are Going For This Year, But I Hope They Keep A Cap On That Cost Or They Will Lose Fans For Sure.