Dubuque Fighting Saints to Present An Entire Game Backwards

The night will begin at the Mystique Community Ice Center with the two teams shaking hands, the announcement of the "Three Stars of the Game," and the celebration of a Dubuque Fighting Saints, or "Saints Fighting Dubuque," victory. Following the "postgame" festivities, the two teams will then participate in a shootout with the home team shooting first. At the conclusion of the shootout will come a five minute overtime session. The third period is next, followed by the second and first periods.

Not just the action on the ice will be backwards, but the entire game experience will be reversed as well. Fighting Saints staff will thank fans for attending as they enter the arena at the beginning of the night, and welcome them as they leave. The clock will run up each period rather than run down from 20:00. Players will be referred to in last name, then first name fashion, and the announcement of those assisting on a goal will come prior to the announcement of the goal scorer himself.

"It was a great night," joked Fighting Saints President Dan Lehv. "Everyone had fun. The team played great. It was the perfect way to start the year."

The in-arena entertainment will be flipped as well, and should prove to be comical. During an intermission, the "Slingshot Bowling" game will be played backwards, with the contestant starting by the goal instead of center ice, picking up the knocked over pins, and scooting himself backwards on a sled to the starting point. Rather than have the fans throw Chuck-a-Pucks onto the ice, it will be the Fighting Saints players throwing Chuck-a-Pucks into the crowd. Breaks in the action will include games of Jeopardy, where the contestant is given the answer and must provide the question. Instead of youth Mite and Pee Wee teams playing hockey between periods, the Fighting Saints have reached out to adult leagues in the area, hoping some grey-haired Fossils will take the ice. Additionally, while the Kid's Zone is a favorite at Fighting Saints games, this night will feature an Adult's Zone for the more mature fans to enjoy.

"The preseason is an opportunity to try a few things both on and off the ice," said Lehv. "The event allows our fans and players to experience something unique, not just to Dubuque, but to the game of hockey."

The night will be capped off with the usual "pregame" festivities coming last rather than first. A ceremonial puck pick-up (as opposed to the ceremonial puck drop) will be held following the game, and the national anthem will be performed after this. The starting lineups and pregame lightshow will then occur, concluding a night of having the script completely flipped.

The backwards game will be a one-of-a-kind event. The festivities are slated to begin (or rather, end) at 7:05 p.m. that evening. Fans are encouraged to get their tickets to this unique and historic matchup with the Janesville Jets by visiting DubuqueFightingSaints.com, or calling 563-583-6880. Fans who call 0886-385-365 will either reach an operator or a foreign country.

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United States Hockey League Stories from August 23, 2012

• Ice Schedule Announced - Indiana Ice
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• Dubuque Fighting Saints to Present An Entire Game Backwards - Dubuque Fighting Saints

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