Who's Coming to Erie?

[hurstfan87]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

I have 2 all session tickets in section 19 which is right behind the benches. They are about 10 rows up. I'm selling them for 50 for both tickets if anyone is interested. I'll be at the rink around 4.

 

[sillywench]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Just sent you an email with our phone hurstfan87

 

[WHKY blogger]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Appears that the facilities there stink...

Glad I didn't make the trip if that's the case!

http://host.madison.com/sports/blog/article_759addca-5182-11e0-8e06-001cc4c002e0.html

When the University of Wisconsin arrived Wednesday to drop off its equipment, random pieces of furniture were scattered about the concourses and multiple rink-side seats were broken down, including one propped up by a plastic milk crate.

When the four teams -- UW, Boston College, Boston University and Cornell -- practiced there Thursday they encountered poor ice conditions, including a dangerous rut along the boards behind one cage and an ominous dip in the ice level near the Zamboni door. Meanwhile, beer advertisements were still on display on the dasher boards -- they're supposed to be removed -- and NCAA decals were placed in a way that they covered up the blue line on the boards that serve as a reference for linesmen.

 

[Badger Booster]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Not a glowing endorsement of the facility. I'm curious what the feedback will be of those who are at the games. I hope with the new arena coming that Madison will be able to start putting in bids for both WCHA and NCAA Frozen Fours.

 

[brookyone]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

UW women's hockey: What was the NCAA thinking?

Begins to sound like a place not to have a FF.

 

[papulaisle]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Who chooses these things? If it is shabby and broken down wouldn't we have heard such before? Hey, "Hurst" fans, is this in fact the case?

 

[papulaisle]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Further on arena, article, "Cornell Women Hoping Ice Is Nice" from the Ithaca Journal, today, says in part, "Ten minutes after Cornell had taken the ice, there was still standing water behind one of the goals. By the end of the session, the surface had begun to chip in numerous spots."

 

[D2D]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Further on arena, article, "Cornell Women Hoping Ice Is Nice" from the Ithaca Journal, today, says in part, "Ten minutes after Cornell had taken the ice, there was still standing water behind one of the goals. By the end of the session, the surface had begun to chip in numerous spots."

Over the years I've seen many instances where NCAA games are held on poor ice. Part of this is due to the weather getting warmer in March, but then again there are MANY arenas that offer great ice even when you have summer conditions outside the building. IMO one of the main criteria in choosing where to hold NCAA games should be the quality of the ice. Unfortunately this seems to be completely overlooked way too often.

 

[WHKY blogger]

These Stories are from the Official Host Site: http://www.frozenfourerie.com/

Tullio’s lack of renovation won’t hamper tourney: http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011303179927

Crews prepare Erie’s Tullio Arena for 2011 Frozen Four: http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011303179919

Erie’s size could be advantage for women’s Frozen Four: http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011303129902

 

[IceIsNice]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

and last but not least my favorite:

Lakeview WIne Cellars (New PA winery....probably the best wine we tasted...great chardonnay, riesling and cab sauv/cab franc blend.....Their reds are aged in barrels made from PA oak (Keystone Cooperage)
8440 Singer Road, North East, PA (814) 725-4440

MCLaker74, awesome recommendation! Sam at Lakeview was a marvelous host, and I highly recommend the Chambourin {sp?} A unique variety, at least to me. I loved the essence of pepper.

Thanks again for the suggestion!

Oh, and by the way, MICZamboni, kindly please take back your comment about the shots on goal being displayed. I was right, "out of order", which is unfortunate. You can ask Doc Rutter for verification.... PS... nice to meet you too, Doc!

 

[LakersFan]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Oh, and by the way, MICZamboni, kindly please take back your comment about the shots on goal being displayed. I was right, "out of order", which is unfortunate. You can ask Doc Rutter for verification.... PS... nice to meet you too, Doc!

Nice to meet you as well, IceIsNice. Also ran into Hux at the game. The current plans are to have the shot clock running for the championship game.

 

[Hux]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Over the years I've seen many instances where NCAA games are held on poor ice. Part of this is due to the weather getting warmer in March, but then again there are MANY arenas that offer great ice even when you have summer conditions outside the building. IMO one of the main criteria in choosing where to hold NCAA games should be the quality of the ice. Unfortunately this seems to be completely overlooked way too often.

The facility is obviously in need of the renovations that are apparently coming this summer. While shabby, I think all would have been "well" had the building crew not taken shortcuts on the ice. Given that they started on Sunday, they had plenty of time to cut the ice down, paint, and then bring the ice back up to 1.5" by Thursday. (I've seen it done at the Boston Bruins' practice facility in three days).

Along with ice quality, things to take into consideration should be quality of seating and sight lines. Tullio has very poor sightlines in the lower section of the stands (which are rather shallow), especially given the poor condition of the plexi surrounding the rink. The lighting was terrible as well. The building is equiped with a ton of lights, but apparently because of the thickness of the ice and temperature within the building, only 1/4 of them were on. (The thicker the ice, the higher the ice temp, and the harder the compressors and associated equipment have to work to maintain that temp.)

 

[Hux]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Not a glowing endorsement of the facility. I'm curious what the feedback will be of those who are at the games. I hope with the new arena coming that Madison will be able to start putting in bids for both WCHA and NCAA Frozen Fours.

Talked to several people who work at Tullio about the situation. When the bid was put in for the Frozen Four the renovation was slated to take place shortly after. This was four years ago. The plans they have up in the lobby show what would have been a pretty jazzed up facility, with all of the ammenities you would expect. The money was in place, and everything was set to go. Unfortunately, as the cost of steel rose dramatically the budget changed, and things were put on hold. Obviously the economy has had an impact as well.

I'd like to see the event come back in a few years. I think Mercyhurst and the various other local entities have done a great job promoting the event. There are posters everywhere, placards on restaurant tables, signage in the drive through windows at McDonalds etc. DC and I were in Cleveland at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the staff there knew about the event. I think the groundwork has been laid for a return that would see an even bigger turnout by the locals, with or without the Lakers involved.

 

[DC78-82]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

I skated in the Alumni Game at Tullio yesterday, and having watched Friday's games five rows off ice level in a T-shirt, I expected a really hot experience.

The ice was not as bad as I expected, or heard. The locker room was not glamorous, but I can think of many, many worse.

Thanks to everyone at Mercyhurst for all they did to put this event on. The alumni game is a great time to meet other players and reconnect with those you know, but haven't seen, and while it may seem to be frivolous given the main event, certainly makes my weekend even better.

 

[Ralph Kramden]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

As a Hockey Dad whose Hockey Dad days ended prematurely, reading through this thread reminded me of just how much I miss the cameraderie of hockey fans. All the super people I've met and great games I've witnessed over the years. This is the first year in 16 years I've had no "dog in the hunt" to go see play. While it should have gone on for another three years, our family had to learn that life can sometimes throw a major league curveball at you. Unfortunately for my daughter, who a year ago was sky high about playing D1 college hockey, life continues to throw her curveballs and she's looking for a way to hit them. While within two hours of our home we could have seen probably ten women's programs play, in spite of all the former teammates and friends my daughter had in those programs we never made it to any games and my daughter unfortunately stilll cannot bring herself to go to a rink. While I still dream of her putting her skates back on, the reality of it all is that she probably never will. Congratulations to all the girls who participated this year and best of luck in the future. Enjoy it while you can. Ditto to Hockey Parents.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

I sent you an email about tickets.

Thank you very much for taking the initiative. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting with you and your group. Also, our vantage point about two thirds of the way up gave us a great view of the games. Things actually worked out much better than they would have had the original Ticketmaster purchase remained in place.

Really wish I could be there this afternoon. But as you know, I'm already back in Columbus. (Return trip went well) Here's to hoping for the best possible title game!

 

[DumbStruck]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Thanks to some great hosts and friendly people in the great city of Erie.!!! Obtw....all those posts about the Avelon....quite the dump. Arena close by, The Plymouth a great spot..along with many others, but Avelon...quite the dump.

On to next season.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Regarding the Avalon: Clearly the hotel is in the middle of a renovation process, with a ways to go. I would disagree that it's dump. But it's very possible that the situation varies considerably from one room to the next.

Our results were decidedly mixed. On the bright side, the light fixtures and lamps appeared to be brand new. Same with the bedspreads. The bed themselves, not so much. We slept fine, but the mattresses' best days are behind them.

The carpet was interesting, to say the least. While it was certainly as clean as any reasonable amount effort could make it, immediate replacement was called for. Carpet should not have a topography. Deterioration and bunching created a "Piedmont" region with a couple of rolling hills.

Still, the underground parking and walk to the arena worked exactly as hoped. Same with the price.

Bottom Line? Until the renovation is complete, this is budget lodging. But if that's what you're looking for, you'll be fine -- as foretold by MICZamboni.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Thanks to some great hosts and friendly people in the great city of Erie.!!!

Completely agree on this point. Everyone was very friendly, and well aware of the tournament. Truly wish we could have stayed longer.

We did get a chance to take Peninsula Drive out to Presque Isle, and found it quite appealing. The family dog certainly would love the multi-purpose trail that runs alongside the road, and so would the rest of the family! Nice views back to the city, and of Lake Erie itself.

I'd definitely come back; perhaps Mercyhurst will get to host again soon.

 

[Hux]

Re: Who's Coming to Erie?

Completely agree on this point. Everyone was very friendly, and well aware of the tournament. Truly wish we could have stayed longer.

We did get a chance to take Peninsula Drive out to Presque Isle, and found it quite appealing. The family dog certainly would love the multi-purpose trail that runs alongside the road, and so would the rest of the family! Nice views back to the city, and of Lake Erie itself.

I'd definitely come back; perhaps Mercyhurst will get to host again soon.

DC and I took the ride out to Presque Isle after the game today with the family dog, and Ernie enjoyed Erie immensely, wading out to explore the small ice floats despite the wind chill factor.

We're looking forward to another excuse to visit the area.

A job well done in Erie, PA.