Friday, August 5, 2011

U of M Alumni Game

I had time to sneak into the University of Michigan alumni hockey game at Yost tonight. Yes, the new scoreboard was a draw - it is beautiful and the ice looked perfect - smooth and cold. But there is something to be said for the nostalgia of a homecoming game at what has to be one of the most storied arenas in the game of hockey. And it is hard to pass up a chance to see some favorite players return to the ice they once called home.

I just have to say how amazing it was to see Red Berenson skating with his former players. And doing a pretty darned good job of keeping up. He is an amazing example of "age is relative". Way to go Red! And how good it was to see recent graduates Tim Miller, Billy Sauer and Mark Mitera back on their "home ice".

But most of all, the spirit of the game was so much fun. One of the things I really enjoy about playing rec hockey is how many of the players smile the whole time they are on the ice. Not something you see during most professional or college games. But tonight, at a completely voluntary game, smiles were abundant. Welcome home, Wolverines. And the fans in the stands had a blast watching you enjoy the game.

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