BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

[moose97]

Time for a season thread? No? Too bad I guess I figured that with the Green/White scrimmage comming up this Sat, and the BREC open house as part of it, let's get a new thread going.

Here's the offseason thread, and here's the BREC construction one.

So, anyone get to the "Select-A-Seat" night yesterday? I was there yesterday, but not for the select-a-seat event, per say, so I got to go a few places besides just the seating bowl (okay, maybe just about everywhere ). At this point, I'm interested in hearing others impressions. I know what the BREC looks like, I think everyone's seen just about every photo that's out there, and now it's time for first impressions.

It's also time to start talking actual hockey... Likely easy to overlook in the excitement, but BSU actualy will play two games next weekend against #2 UND. The Beavs have been practicing at the City Rink/Neilson-Reise (same building, if you don't know, just two names for it) while they wait for the BREC to be ready. Funny story - I saw a couple players in full pads on a scooter on their way to practice yesterday...

 

[gmann]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

As an avid fan of BSU hockey (over the past 30 years or so) playing in a new arena and joining the WCHA is something I have always wanted for this program and it all becomes reality next weekend.

I am eager to see how BSU plays against the UND Fighting Flicker Riders. UND is obviously a solid team and this is a great but difficult test for BSU. Emotions will be flying high no doubt. Will that help or hinder BSU? Welcome to the W boys. I predict a split. In addition, I think the BSU/UND games are going to become a great rivalry series going forward.

I am really not sure where BSU will finish within the conference. Lower third is likely but if they stay healthy and if the impact players can step up and contribute as expected then good things will happen. The big question mark in my opinion is the schedule and the grind that the WCHA brings.

Bottom line......we have a great coaching staff and BSU will show up and give 110% for three periods. Big picture, if the history of this program is indicative of things to come then we will be OK.

Let's play hockey!

 

[willythekid]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

I thought it was smart of Bemidji to wait until after the Sioux series to put single game tickets on sale.....it will limit the amount of North Dakota fans there. Welcome to the WCHA Beavers..... Sioux sweep!

 

[Upper Deck]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

Went last night and sat in our seats (love 'em) section E on the blue line (attack end) about two rows below the suites.

Really like the BREC for the most part. I would not care for the seats on row 7 (along the walkway). Thought it was a little crowded/awkward along the walkways between the upper and lower levels (between row six and seven I believe). The wall on the student end, even when the bleachers are installed, is very big/tall. They will need to have something there, like "Home of the Beavers" or banners, etc. Do they have blinds or curtains for the windows on the club side - very bright?

Otherwise, very nice. Good lines, good lighting, and for a somewhat larger rink, it still feels intimate, but nothing like the Glas and being on top of the ice. Scoreboard looks sharp. They still have a ways to go for nine days from now.

I saw players there, along with cheerleaders figuring things out.

 

[beaverhockeyfan]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

Saw a clip on Lakeland News last night that students who were shut out of the Student Season Tickets were purchasing regular season tickets. That will help fill the place up with Beaver Fans!!!

I think we are now going to be able to make the scrimmage on Saturday. We had grandpa and grandma all lined up to watch the kids (boy, that sounds odd ) on Thursday, but we will now have to bring the kids with on Saturday as the sitters are busy. Can't wait to see our seats. Section L, Row 8, 3-6.

 

[beaverhockeyfan]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

Really like the BREC for the most part. I would not care for the seats on row 7 (along the walkway). Thought it was a little crowded/awkward along the walkways between the upper and lower levels (between row six and seven I believe).

When we selected our seats, we were told that the seats in the areas you are talking were not designed to be walkways. People are suppose to use the proper stairway to enter and exit the sections and use the concourse to move between sections. If people decide to use the areas as walkways, we may regret the seats we selected......

 

[Upper Deck]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

When we selected our seats, we were told that the seats in the areas you are talking were not designed to be walkways. People are suppose to use the proper stairway to enter and exit the sections and use the concourse to move between sections. If people decide to use the areas as walkways, we may regret the seats we selected......

I think you'll be fine after everyone learns the ropes after a few weeks (I like your cupholders!). I didn't know/couldn't tell if that row was a walk way or not. The rink's small enough so you can take the concourse around to visit someone a few sections away. Hopefully the ushers will do their jobs.

What area of the rink are you at Millsy? I walked around all over the place and got a lot of different perspectives.

 

[beaverhockeyfan]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

I think you'll be fine after everyone learns the ropes after a few weeks (I like your cupholders!). I didn't know/couldn't tell if that row was a walk way or not. The rink's small enough so you can take the concourse around to visit someone a few sections away. Hopefully the ushers will do their jobs.

What area of the rink are you at Millsy? I walked around all over the place and got a lot of different perspectives.

We are in Section L, Row 8 (front row of upper level). It is in the corner on the club end, above an ice level entrance, so there is no lower level section in front of us so we don't have to worry about someone in row 7 standing up and blocking a view. It is the end we defend twice, but now needing four tickets, the finances weren't there this year to put down the extra money for the BeaverPride seats on the sides of the arena.

 

[BeaverFan]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

I saw a couple players in full pads on a scooter on their way to practice yesterday...

Funny you mentioned that, I saw a couple guys sitting in the back of a pickup truck wearing full practice gear. Wondered what the heck was going on, haha!

 

[Upper Deck]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

We are in Section L, Row 8 (front row of upper level). It is in the corner on the club end, above an ice level entrance, so there is no lower level section in front of us so we don't have to worry about someone in row 7 standing up and blocking a view. It is the end we defend twice, but now needing four tickets, the finances weren't there this year to put down the extra money for the BeaverPride seats on the sides of the arena.

Ahhh . . . yes. I was looking at that same section too. Great view of BSU end and not too bad, being that high up, on the attack end.

 

[gmann]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

Edit - Section U Row 14 Seats 11-16.

 

[BSUBeaver94]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

Just for the record, I am extremely jealous of all of you talking about your seats at the BREC. I will just have to watch from the comforts of my home on TPT-MN here in the cities.

 

[Nate86]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

I'm very excited about this season! I was in the BREC on Tuesday and it is outstanding! I had four tickets Picked out in March but just wanted to see the building! There isn't a bad seat as far as site lines and I love my seats in section L Row 13 . I thought the net might be a problem looking through it, but it doesn't seam to make too much of a difference. I wish I could make it to the scrimmage on Sat. LETS PLAY BEAVER HOCKEY!!!

 

[beaverhockeyfan]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

Former Beaver Updates:

Matt Dalton is getting the season opening start with the Providence Bruins tonight.

Matt Pope was released from the Manitoba Moose camp and is back with Victoria of the ECHL.

Chris McKelvie has made the Hartford Wolfpack (AHL) roster.

Andrew Murray will start the season on the IR with Columbus (NHL). He has a dinged up knee right now.

 

[moose97]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

Facebook photo update one day ahead of the BREC ribbon-cutting/scrimmage:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=507901&id=418666450639

 

[moose97]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

I'm sure folks out there have better pics than this, but here was my view of the opening face-off of today's scrimmage from the press box:

Great to see everyone - we'll see ya again next week, this time for real!

 

[BeaverFan]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

Brec looked good!

I think they need to work on the goal horn / goal song though!

 

[GopherBigGuy911]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

Brec looked good!

I think they need to work on the goal horn / goal song though!

It is a beautiful place, but what the hell is up with empty seats.... I mean I know it was just a scrimage, but seriously??????

 

[moose97]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

It is a beautiful place, but what the hell is up with empty seats.... I mean I know it was just a scrimage, but seriously??????

A few things IMHO:

1) they changed the date/time at the last possible minute (it was scheduled for Thursday night, and Tuesday afternoon, they moved it to today).

2) It wasn't advertised very heavily. This was more of a "soft" opening, and they weren't planning on allowing more than 3000 in the building at any one time, although I don't think they came close to that number.

3) I think there were a good number of folks who came, walked around, never sat in a seat (or did for a few minutes), then left - with their sole purpose to walk into the building. Remember that in addition to the seats, there are 25 suites, the club area the press box (which was open to the public) and a convention center side too. I think, especially early, there were a decent amount of people outside the seating bowl.

Back to #2 - I'd be interested in seeing exactly how many people they allowed into the building today (they handed out "tickets" to the free event when you walked in the door, which you could show at the concession stand and get free popcorn and water).

 

[moose97]

Re: BSU '10-'11: Can the Beav's Read the W and be in the Hunt?

Green/White photos:

http://www.bsubeavers.com/mhockey/photos/76/

Oh, BTW, Ben Kinne played (he's #9 this year):

I only spoke briefly with Tom Serratore, so can't say he's 100% cleared to go, but he was in for some full contact today.