IceMen Fans To Be Married On The Ice February 13
Published on January 28, 2010 under All American Hockey League (AAHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release
Evansville IceMen fans Brad Perkins and Tamara Short will soon tie the knot at the only venue that makes sense for a couple of die-hard hockey fans - the rink.
The couple will be married on the ice at Swonder Ice Arena during the first intermission of the IceMen game on Saturday, February 13. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:45 PM, so the nuptials should take place around 8:15 or 8:30.
Ironically, the two will exchange vows in the midst of a heated rivalry. The IceMen will be taking on the Chi-Town Shooters, who are currently leading the All American Hockey League season standings. Games between the teams typically feature a fair amount of fighting and some choice language - some might say, a metaphor for married life.
While there is certainly no love lost between the IceMen and Shooters, Perkins and Short are a prime example of love at first sight.
They met about seven years ago when Perkins was a produce clerk at a grocery store and Short was a manager at Dairy Queen.
"She would come in about once a week to buy a case of bananas," Perkins said. "The first time I saw her I told my boss she was going to be mine."
Fast-forward to last year, when the tedious process of planning the wedding began.
The couple wanted a "fun" wedding, and they considered getting hitched on a roller-coaster. However, Perkins said, "that has been done many times, so I figured a hockey game would be more unique. It's also a good way to bring some new fans to the game."
And how did that idea go over with the bride-to-be?
"I don't think she took me too seriously, until I received an e-mail from (IceMen General Manager) Chip Rossetti, who thought it was a great idea. Now she just thinks I am nuts."
Perkins' Best Man will be Blizzard, the team's polar bear mascot. His Facebook profile lists "Chirping at the opposition during Evansville IceMen games" as one of his favorite activities. He is often seen at Swonder with his full face covered in blue and white paint, occasionally in complex patterns inspired by musical acts such as KISS or the Insane Clown Posse - patterns that can take up to an hour to create.
So yes, he is nuts - at least, about the IceMen. That's why he'll soon be saying "I do" in front of a thousand fellow IceMen Maniacs.
"I am grateful for all of the new friends that I have made thanks to the IceMen, and I am happy to share this moment with every one of them."
Perkins claims there will be no face paint involved on the big night, but will he be wearing a tuxedo or an IceMen jersey?
Find out on the eve of Valentine's Day. General admission tickets for the game are $7, and the public is invited. Just don't bring a gift. The couple has requested that in lieu of giving gifts, fans should simply purchase IceMen souvenirs or make a donation to the IceMen Booster Club.
All American Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2010
- Madison Ceases Operations - AAHL
- Friday Night Broadcast Unavailable - Battle Creek Revolution
- IceMen Fans To Be Married On The Ice February 13 - Evansville IceMen
- Saddle Up the Wagon - Battle Creek Revolution
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