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Stephen R. Sylvanie / Special to the Las Vegas Sun
The Las Vegas Wranglers and Alaska Aces erupt into a riot on the ice during the second period at the Orleans Arena on March 24, 2009. The ensuing scrum resulted in Chris Ferraro being taken off on a stretcher with a broken leg and the Wranglers being left shorthanded by two skaters for a full five minutes, during which the Aces scored three power play goals in their 5-3 victory.
Published Wednesday, March 25, 2009 | 3:38 a.m.
Updated Thursday, March 26, 2009 | 11:59 p.m.
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Expanded hockey coverage
The Las Vegas Wranglers mascot, the Duke, runs from the beer-spraying, middle-finger waving wrath of angry Alaska Aces fans after he threw a bag of popcorn on them Tuesday night at the Orleans Arena.
It is only fitting that on "Over 18 Night" the Las Vegas Wranglers and the Alaska Aces would engage in an R-rated brawl that sent one player to the hospital and decimated the Wranglers' roster.
After Las Vegas lost three players in the aftermath of a violent second period melee, Alaska capitalized on a five-minute, two-man advantage with three consecutive goals to sink the Wranglers 5-3 in front of 3,744 fans at the Orleans Arena Tuesday night.
The game-defining brawl, which involved nine players, erupted after a collision between Las Vegas center Chris Ferraro and Alaska forward Matt Stefanishion less than three minutes into the second period.
With Chris Ferraro writhing in pain on the ice, the referees struggled to control the growing scrum. When the punches subsided, the officials dished out 16 penalties to seven players, including game misconducts to Tim Spencer for kicking and Peter Ferraro for spearing.
"I just tried to come in there to help Chris and I think all the emotions were running high from the last few games and everybody just wanted somebody," Spencer said. "I guess emotions got the best of some of us, but to give us ejections and none to (Alaska) was definitely the wrong call."
Chris Ferraro had to leave the ice on a stretcher and doctors later confirmed that Ferraro suffered a broken left leg and will most likely miss the rest of the season.
The Ferraro brothers and Stefanishion have a long history of malcontent toward each other that certainly boiled over Tuesday night.
"My style of game is hard hitting and obviously (the Ferraros) don't like that part of the game, so maybe they shouldn't be involved with it," Stefanishion said.
In addition to losing one of their most valuable veterans, the Wranglers also had to deal with a strange ruling that put them on the short end of a five-on-three power play for five minutes due to fighting majors.
The National Conference-leading Aces (43-22-3) immediately took advantage of the lopsided opportunity as Cam Keith and Josh Soares notched power play goals within 36 seconds of each other. Nick Tuzzolino then extended the Aces' lead to 3-1 with another power play goal in the final seconds of the two-man advantage.
"I'm just speechless right now about how that all went down," Spencer lamented. "You can't even put words into what happened tonight… (Alaska) started it all and then we get kicked out and suffer the penalties."
Although the Wranglers had to play the rest of the game with only 12 skaters, they managed to mount a valiant comeback before the second intermission.
Trailing 4-1 thanks to a power play goal by Scott Burt with 9:06 remaining in the second period, Kelly Czuy buried his own power play goal to cut the Wranglers' deficit in half 4-2.
Rookie forward Scott McCulloch pulled Las Vegas even closer as he tallied his second goal of the night and second as a professional to make it 4-3 with 1:52 left in the second period.
"It's always a nice feeling to reach those personal accomplishments, but I'm just worried about getting those two points in the win column," said the fifth-year senior from Colorado College.
The short-handed Wranglers could not even the score in the third period, however, as Luke Erikson eventually sealed the 5-3 victory on an empty netter with 10 seconds left in the game.
The Wranglers (31-29-8) are now 19-12-2 at home and just 2-6-1 against Alaska this season with another rematch looming on Friday night.
"We outworked them, we out-chanced them and we out-shot them," Spencer said. "I think we deserved to win that game and to have this outcome just frustrates everybody."
Stars of the game: 1. Scott McCulloch (2 goals); 2. Kelly Czuy (1 goal, 1 assist); 3. Chris Neiszner (2 assists)
Suspensions looming: Spencer is no stranger to suspensions resulting from match penalties, which means his involvement in Tuesday's brawl could lead to a lengthy sentence. Spencer's match penalty for kicking coupled with a checkered disciplinary record, including a one game suspension for eye gouging in a 2-1 loss to Idaho on Feb. 21, will most likely lead to a multiple game suspension.
Peter Ferraro will also serve at least a one game suspension.
"I didn't kick anybody," Spencer said. "I was on the ground with (Stefanishion). And Pete got kicked out? It's mind boggling."
With Steve Makway already serving a two-game sentence this week, the Wranglers will be at least four players short for Friday's rematch against the Aces with Makway, Spencer and both Ferraros out.
Roster report: Prior to Tuesday's game, the Wranglers loaned center Justin Taylor to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League. Taylor has posted 12 goals and 17 assists in 34 games with Las Vegas this season. He joins fellow Wranglers Matt Beaudoin, Jeff May, Mike Hamilton, J.D. Watt, Matt Keetley, Tyler Mosienko, Chris St. Croix and Adam Miller in the AHL.
The Duke dominates: Late in the third period the Wranglers’ mascot, Duke, silenced the cow-bell toting Alaska fans with a popcorn shower. The Aces’ fans apparently do not have a great sense of humor as they retaliated by throwing beer on the Duke. The folks in Anchorage need to relax a bit. It’s just popcorn.
Next up: The Wranglers and Aces meet again at the Orleans Arena Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Final word: "I just had a hit on one of the Ferraro brothers, I'm not even sure which one and he retaliated with a slash and then mayhem happened," Alaska's Stefanishion said about his role in Tuesday's brawl. "The refs had me down on the ground trying to protect me and when guys are spearing or kicking you when you are on the ice it's uncalled for. There is no place for that in hockey."
The Orleans Arena, a Boyd Gaming facility located just west of the Las Vegas Strip, is one of the nation’s leading mid-sized arenas, and was recently ranked No. 1 in the United States and No. 5 internationally among venues of similar size by Venues Today Magazine.
The Arena hosts more than 200 events each year, including concerts by top names like Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Van Halen, Brooks & Dunn, Black Eyed Peas, Akon and Rihanna; family favorites like The Harlem Globetrotters and Circus Spectacular; and a wide variety of sporting events, including NCAA basketball tournaments, the West Coast Conference and Western Athletic Conference Basketball Championships, mixed martial arts with Superior Cage Combat, and major motorsports events.
The arena serves as home to the Las Vegas Wranglers professional ECHL hockey team, the Las Vegas Legends professional indoor soccer team, and the Lingerie Football League’s Las Vegas Sin. Stay connected to the Orleans Arena on Facebook (www.facebook.com/orleansarena) and on Twitter (@orleansarena).
Steve Silver can be reached at 948-7822 or steve.silver@lasvegassun.com.
What you are not reporting about "The Duke" is that his popcorn shower was on a players wife who was holding their infant child in her lap. Mr. Silver, you are correct in stating that we in Anchorage "do not have a great sense of humor" when thoughtless pranks threaten the well being of our children. Do you think it is funny to dump popcorn on a baby?
Apparently, Stefanishion "forgot" that he knocked Chris' helmet off when he knocked into him in the first place. That brutal hit was what started the melee in the first place; he's not innocent in this. "No place for that in hockey?" Try not to say things like that when you have just done them yourself.
The fact that no Alaska players were ejected is a disgrace.
Did he also forget that on saturday he knocked down a Farraro then held him on the ice and hit him. Peter gets a spearing charge but in the picture his stick is in his hand above everyone. Spencer is being pulled down onto Burt. Stefinishion admits that he went after one of the brothers. If it weren't for the bad calls by the ref. I honestly believe Wranglers win this game. I think if you admit that you targeted a player that you deserve a suspension as well. I think its amazing that the biggest player on the Aces chooses one of the Smaller players on Wranglers to go after. Spencer was on the ice why not go after someone equal in size. Wrangler player gets a broken leg and no one thinks maybe the aces deserve some punishment. I think those wranglers left to play the game showed heart and did well mounting a comback. When Aces got their power play goals they forgot to mention the assist from number 14 Warshaw. He should have left his stripes at home and just wore an Aces jersey.
Maybe a bad hit from Stephanision but vegas proved what thier problem has been all season, NO DISCIPLINE! That could have been a power play situation for them if Ferraro walked away but once again he didn't and then you have the third man in which is a HUGE deal. Because of the lack of discipline you have a player with a broken leg and two others that are out for at least one game. Someone needs to get these boys under control otherwise people are going to continue to get hurt!
Stephanision is a thug and always has been. He always goes after the guys half his size. His hit on C. Ferraro was late and Warschaw had the call. Then Chris slashes Staphanision and takes a penalty for retaliating. Then all the mayhem happens that causes a 5 minute 5 on 3. The Wranglers should have never put the officials in the position to make the calls whether the calls were right or not. SASD is right the Ferraro's have no discipline and neither does Spencer. Anytime someone looks at Chris or Peter wrong the other retaliates and takes a bad penalty! With some discipline and self restraint the Wranglers win that game last night and aren't shorthanded for Fridays game. And against Alaska you need all your weapons!
As for the Dukes popcorn shower on the Aces fans it was hilarious. It wasn't just aimed at the players wife with the child. He covered the bottom half of the section and nobody was hurt. I'm a season ticket holder and the Duke has gotten me with confetti, a supersoaker, popcorn, and silly string. It is in fun and certainly not malicious so get over yourselves Aces fans. If you don't want to be picked on by the Duke or Wrangler fans don't come to Vegas.
Kamiakin, at first glance you might have a point about the Duke's antics, but then I realized....it was POPCORN.
Explain to me how this does any harm to a child, or at least any more harm then the nonstop profanity the Alaska fans yelled and the many middle fingers I saw coming out of that section?
If the Duke had thrown beer or even water, I see how it is a problem. But it was popcorn. It is practically weightless (so no threat to baby's soft head) and all you do is stand up, brush yourself off and move on. Nice prank Duke.
Randolf is correct, the Duke does this stuff all the time. This is just one of the rare instances where there was a large enough group of visiting fans to single out. Check out the photo in the slide show above. Again this was a joke. Relax.
As far as the brawl, it spun out of control really fast. Yes, Peter went a bit over the line, but he was trying to defend his brother. As I wrote in the story, the Ferraro/Stefanishion feud is nothing new. They mixed it up last year too. From my point of view, if you are going to kick out two Wranglers, at least one Aces player should go too. They were not all innocent bystanders.
Without a doubt the Wranglers win if they can stay out of the penalty box. Right or wrong, the Aces did their job and maximized the opportunity of the five minute, 5-on-3 power play.
The popcorn bit was funny, and is a regular event at Wranglers games. Unfortunate that someone had a baby in attendance on over-18 night, but I'm pretty sure that no one was harmed by the stunt...I totally agree that there should have been an Aces player in the ejection column from the brawl that took place, both sides were getting out of hand (something had to have happened to Chris to make him retaliate like that)....I wouldn't want to be anywhere but the Orleans Arena on Friday night, provided the Wranglers have enough guys on the bench to play the game...
SteveSilver - The issue with the popcorn is the child is an INFANT, you are correct in stating the corn would just bounce off of its nugget with no harm...but how about a piece in the eye. Think about how you would hold a baby in your lap, in your arms with the child lying on its back. Now, you have a shower of popcorn coming over your head from behind you, as a parent you have no ability or time to react to protect your child from potential hazard.
I understand The Duke does this stuff all the time, I just think this prank could have been thought out a bit more, taking into account who was actually in the section the prank is being pulled on, and I don't mean what jerseys they are wearing. If it had happened to me I personally would have laughed along with everyone else but if I was holding my baby daughter in my lap I would have come unglued. If you are going to pull the prank, you have to be aware of, and responsible for, any consequences of your actions.
The brawl did spin out of control very quickly, I didn't think the initial hit was enough to start what happened when you compare it to the previous four games in the last two weeks, but others on the ice saw it differently. We could spend a week picking over each penalty call, I don't think Burt should have gotten two minors; he spent most of the brawl on his knees over Chris in what looked like a protective stance while signaling for the training staff to immediately come out on the ice, while the fight raged behind him.
From what I saw, the Aces got outplayed 5 on 5 and relied on the special teams to win the game. That works every once in a while but is not a sound strategy to go into every game with.
I have one question for the Aces who are complaining about Duke.... Why in the hell was a baby in the stands on an OVER 18 NIGHT.... Or could you not read the signs that were all over the place. Is there schools in Alaska? Or, does the Orleans need to hire better security?
Carrielv, clearly pucks and drunks are no threat to Alaskan babies.... just popcorn.
It was SUGGESTED that no one under 18 be present at the game, not required - security has nothing to do with it ... nor does her education. Stupid comment, Carrielv.
She and the baby traveled from Anchorage to Las Vegas to support her husband and his team - of course she is going to bring him to the game. Regardless of special promotions, fans should never have to worry about their (or their children's) safety at a game (with exception of flying pucks).
I was present while security and a Wranglers representative talked with her and she explicitly said that she didn't want to cause a big scene. She didn't say the popcorn was going to kill her child, she was just worried about salt in his eyes, that's all. Any parent would be a little upset about that.
She didn't file a report, she didn't make a big fuss over it. I don't think we should either. New topic, please!
Kamiakin's post about Scott Burt trying to help Chris Ferraro is exactly as I saw it as well. To see him signaling for help and trying to keep the fight off of Ferraro makes it obvious why he has that 'C' on his Aces jersey. As for the out-of-control mascot, I was one of the Aces fans sitting in that section and I honestly didn't see beer thrown on Duke. Not a bad idea if it happens again. I did see quite a few middle fingers, tho. Further, the only expletives I heard were from a young (male) Vegas fan who challenged a middle-aged woman in an Aces jersey to fight him as security was kicking him out. As far as the infant goes- hopefully daddy Cam Keith hits the ice with an attitude on Friday. GO ACES!
PS- Does your mascot Duke even know how to ice skate?
Scratch and John Marshall, check out the new photo I just added. Notice the man in the No. 22 Daniels jersey spraying a too-expensive Bud Light on Duke.
Also that woman holding the baby in the bottom right hand corner looks real concerned about her child as she flips the Duke the middle finger.
And that Mr. Judge and Jury is a slam dunk!
While highly unlikely a kernel could land down the infant`s throat and choke him, I gotta ask, is this behavior professional? This happened before? I believe a mascot`s role is to represent the team and to engage the fans in a positive way. Remember, children (and some adults) emulate others` actions and certain behaviors tends to escalate when emotions are at a fever pitch.
As for the players, I miss the high-tempo skilled hockey we saw from these teams last season. P.Ferraro got a spearing/game misconduct at a recent game in Anchorage and do we need to discuss Makway`s antics against Schmidt (one of the least penalized D-men in the ECHL)at the end of the game? Corbs got a concussion and has missed games due to that dirty display of aggression after the game was over. Also, please tell me why Spencer couldn`t overcome Galbraith in two fights in that series? Same reason he`s no longer an Ace.
Randolph, Steve, nicely done as always. I was going to stay out of this, but.... What's a baby doing at ANY sporting event?
The baby needed to be at the game to support the father and team? You mean the baby got tired of the nice, quiet, peaceful, nursery at home and somehow communicated to mom and dad to please take me to a hockey game with lots of noise and commotion? I know I always enjoy listening to a crying baby at the games or having the parents with baby walking in front of me every 10 minutes while play is going on to change a diaper or something else.
What's next for this little super fan? A football game at the "black hole" in Oakland or maybe a Monday night game at the "dog pound" in Cleveland? Maybe junior should just stay home. If there isn't a relative or sitter available, maybe mom and junior should both stay home.
Whatever your opinion is regarding the items discussed, is there anyone here NOT looking forward to tonights game? Lets hope we have at least 7,000 fans and that the game is hard hitting and clean. Perhaps some scores might be settled too?
Thank you Steve Silver for covering the Wranglers - hockey can be very subjective, but I find you're usually on top of things and look forward to your articles. Its too bad not more of the local media gave the Wranglers the attention you do.
SteveSilver- What can I say except that you were right. We are in both photos but our view of that was blocked. I honestly didn't see that beer being thrown. I consider it justifiable (but expensive) retaliation and a nice shot by the fan. All in good fun, right? I have to say it's great that 100s of Aces fan are making this trip now and as the word gets around- hopefully this spring series will attracts even more Alaskans in the future.
Is there a link to the other photos that were in the slide show earlier? Our children and grandchildren back in Alaska will get a kick out of them!
I am amazed that no one has mentioned the fact that the fighting had stopped, and the trainer was called out onto the ice to assist an injured player. While he was attending to someone who was obviously seriously injured, both teams began another brawl right on top of the injured Ferraro. This complete lack of concern for a fellow player is disgraceful. You would expect professional athletes to show enough sportsmanship to put the well being of an injured player above all else. Every player on the ice who participated in that second fight should be ashamed of their behavior.
I have to say all five of the newest comments are great.
As always Winthorpe, nice job.
Blackcat you are welcome.
Whatnow01, yes, you are right. I've been told by different sources that it was a clean break in TWO places. Ferraro needed some metal put in there for sure. Imagine having someone accidentally kick that while he is on the ice and a brawl is going on right around him. The refs had no control of this game from the opening draw.
Finally, Scratch, if you click on the title of the slideshow, that should bring up a new window. If not, email me and I might be able to find the original photo to send you.
Scratch makes a good point. Alaska certainly traveled well to this series. I'm surprised more teams don't bring strong followings like this. I do believe Bakersfield and Victoria had solid crowds at the Orleans though.
I can't wait for tonight. Just let the boys settle all of this on the ice. And no more wasting expensive beer!
I wasn't aware that an Aces fan threw his beer at the mascot. I don't find that any more or less acceptable than the popcorn shower. No one should be throwing anything on anyone in that manner. The middle finger doesn't bother me and I don't blame her for throwing it. Those of you who don't know her or Cam, shouldn't be debating their ability to parent. Like I said, she didn't make a big fuss about it with anyone so why is anyone else?
In Alaska, there is a wet side and a dry side of the arena so families can enjoy the game without having to worry about drunk fans or an unruly mascot. But I have to say, Boomer would never taunt visiting players or fans, nor would he ever throw anything at them. Our ownership wouldn't tolerate that kind of behavior. Mascots are there to support their team and entertain fans - not harass the opposing team or their fans.
Let's talk about hockey.
I have to say to those people who are getting on the Duke, it is usual and cutomary for him to throw popcorn on ALL fans not just the visiting ones, it's all supposed to be in good fun. Second, unless you know someone who is or has been a mascot those costumes are difficult to see out of and I'm sure that he would not have thrown popcorn at anyone holding a child if he could have seen the child. Given that it was an 18 or over game, and given that it didn't even start until 9pm who would have expected a baby to be there instead of at home in it's bed.
P.S. Yes he can skate!!
To top5lv, I understand what you mean about the popcorn and the mascot, But is it customary for fans to dump beer on our players, The Aces?? No it is not at all and is it customary for The Blue People To dowse our players with water?!? No and those mascot costumes are easy to see out of,because our mascot has no problem at all seeing through the eyes PLUS he doesnt go around dumping popcorn or harrasing Vegas fans now does He.And your players have no class or can handle themselves obviously. I mean kicking and spearing and all the stuff your players did to us is not part of hockey and should not be allowed in hockey and I bet every fan and player would vote yes on that except yours.
I'm proud to be an Alaska Aces fan , which Vegas would not understand a class organization filled with players who exhibit class and sportsmanship.
Questioning Cam and his fiancee's ability to parent, instead of understanding the issue is another example of your lack of class. I work with children who have parents that can not parent, Cam does not fall here they are extreamily happy and devoted parents, Linden has a right to watch his dad skate, he attends our games at home. Linden is a lucky kid
It is sad that vegas has never enjoyed being a class organization from the owners down to the mascot they lack in that department, and are the only team in the ECHL that lacks any class, does anyone remember the players bench during the playoffs ? (our players too fat?) or the dollar beer being poured on our players until the plexy glass protector went up, maybe we should give Vegas a taste of their medicine, oops I forgot we have class, and would not act that way.
kimkyle, players who exhibit class and sportsmanship? You have one lier and cheap shot-artist, Stephanision, he knew exactly who he hit illegally into the boards. He had been head-hunting Chris for two games, I counted at least three cheap shots in those games. You have Galbraith, who is one of the leaders the league in penalty minutes every year he has been in the league. And that brings us to Richards, 50+ games with NO goals, NO assists and 150+ penalty minutes. He is on the roster for one purpose, some class....and the coach sent him out on the ice at the end of the third game for that one purpose - to fight. Another example of your class.
The Las Vegas Organization is filled with class people from top to bottom. We have a coach who the players respect. We have players who sign AHL contracts that stipulate that if they are sent to the ECHL they want to come to Las Vegas. We were the first team in league history with three 100 point seasons. We sent six former players to the NHL this season alone. Next time you want to critize somthing you know nothing about, you might think first.
We have idot fans just like every other team, including Alaska, but that does not give you the right to insult all our fans and organization.
Ok Kim lets talk about class. Don't group all of us classless because a couple of people question the idea of an infant being at a hockey game. Personally I think it is a bad idea for a these reasons. Hockey games are loud. You can't tell me that the loud music, the cowbells and 5000 screaming fans are good for a baby's ears. Secondly unless you are sitting behind the goals where the netting is you run a very real risk of being struck by a puck or broken stick. So taking an infant to a hockey game isn't necessarily poor parenting but could be construed as poor judgement.
I will be the first to admit that Peter Ferraro was totally out of line Tuesday night. He was the only one out of control. After he went off everyone else went into damage control. My hat is off to Burt for doing what he could to help protect Chris until the fight stopped and the trainers got to the ice. That WAS a class act. Peter got what he deserved and the Wranglers have to deal with it. It ultimately cost LV the game.
Finally I could tell you that the Alaska organization is the most classless franchise in the ECHL. I could start with your old coach Thomas Payne. If the Aces were ahead they played with poise and discipline. If they were out of the game they started taking runs at opposing players. Peter Metcalf was the worst. One night one of our players scored a hat trick and Metcalf picked up one of the hats and spit in it. Would you call that classy? Galbraith chirps the whole game trying to get under someones skin and is always a league leader in PIM. Would you consider that class. I've seen Aces fans dump beer, throw middle fingers and drop foul language towards our fans and players. I've also seen in Bako, Utah, Stockton, Idaho, and Fresno.
So Kim here is the deal. Vegas and Alaska is a rivalry. The teams don't like each other and the fans don't like each other. The teams are generally the best teams in thier divisions. They have knocked each other out of the playoffs the last couple of years. Emotions are high when they meet. I don't have to like the Aces organization or thier fans to respect them. I've met some jerks from Alaska and some very nice people at the Wrangler games. Not all Aces fans have class and not all Wrangler fans are classless. It's that mixture that makes rivalries what they are.
kimkyle,
I'm sorry did you lose your dictionary? I don't think "class" is the word I would use for your organization. Unless I'm mistaken in the photo above I believe those are your fans throwing the beer and the middle finger. Real classy!! And again unless I'm mistaken wasn't it your player that BROKE THE LEG of our player?? And doesn't your mascot throw fish heads at your home games? Hmm hypocrites is the word I think you were looking for to describe your organization.
The infant was wearing protective infant ear plugs. I actually watched Cam's fiance happily share a set of earplugs with a Las Vegas fan who failed to bring any for her infant. At EVERY Aces home game, the infant is in an infant car seat and seated behind the net.
I spoke with Cam's fiance a few days after the game and she said she would have sat behind the net but she felt safer, in general, sitting with a larger group of Alaska fans, as she had heard Las Vegas fans weren't exactly welcoming. The chances of having beer or other objects thrown at you by unruly fans is much greater than a flying puck hitting the infant. She thought things through and did the best she could. It wasn't her fault that her child was covered in popcorn salt or butter - things like that never happen in Alaska, how was she to know that it would happen in Las Vegas? She was prepared for strippers or adult content, things that wouldn't affect her infant - not food being thrown at them.
It may have been SUGGESTED that no one under the age of 18 attend the game, but there were plenty of children running around the arena. It's not any less dangerous for those children to be there than this infant.
I understand the Duke pulls this "prank" at other games, but he should have thought twice this time around. In the future, perhaps he should take a look at who is seated in a section prior to covering them with food.
I don't meant to attack the Duke, but if anyone is guilty of poor judgement, it's him.
A baby covered in salt and butter?...stop making me hungry johnmarshall7 (For those in Alaska who don't realize that was a joke, it was!)
On another note, who wouldn't love to see these two teams meet in the playoffs? Just a few weeks away hockey fans. I can't wait.
I can't believe how much people ares still talking about this popcorn incident. It happened. It's over. GROW UP!!
I guess what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas.
Well top5lv, Seems like you need a dictionary for the word Hypocrit,that would describe YOU.Its not cool to dump beer and popcorn on our fans and even a baby.... I mean cmon is that class???? I dont think so.. and breaking C. Feraros leg was not on purpose.... so hows that
Hypocrit???
It's spelled h-y-p-o-c-r-i-t-E!! Is spell check something that hasn't caught on up there?? And unlike you I wasn't the one going on and on about how doing things like throwing beer and popcorn is beneath your team only to have evidence to the contrary in print right above the comment you were making. So maybe you need a dictionary to define hypocrite as well as to learn how to spell it....maybe we'll take up a collection at the popcorn stand at the next game to get you one.
I think it's great that discussion continues for days after the game! And that the author of the story responds to comments is pretty neat, too.
I have been to Las Vegas to cheer for the Aces in other seasons. Most Wrangler fans are great but there always seems to be few who go too far. Once, it was not a bag of popcorn. It was someone several rows behind us who was tossing popcorn one kernel at a time. When we turned around, he sat there pretending nothing happened and when we sat down laughter would start start along with more popcorn. Rude and unfortunate. Worse- not one of the other Wrangler fans sitting in that section has the guts to say to them 'enough is enough- we are here for hockey'. So we moved over with other Aces fans. There is something to that safety in numbers idea.
Not trying to stir up trouble but I wanted to post in defense of the Aces team and the organization. Keith McCambridge is not Davis Payne. Payne had a temper- I remember one game in Vegas when we were beaten on all fronts where he followed the officials off the ice to confront them in their dressing room. Keith McCambridge has built his own team. Notice ECHL all-2nd teamer Metcalf is not with us this season. Ditto Kimbi Daniels and Olivier Filon. Shown the door. And Bo Cheeseman was traded. Locally controversial moves- those guys were fan favorites and part of the community here. After the subtractions came the additions. Bringing in Scott Burt and giving him the 'C' opening day, and Galbraith who locals loved to hate generated some discussion. Clearly, McCambridge (he wore the 'C' on our 2006 Cup team) knew what he was doing and succeeded in assembling a Kelly Cup contender with the right attitude, work ethic, and chemistry- the Aces clinched the conference last night. He knows what it takes. And so do the Wranglers and their fans. There is nothing classless about what the Aces have done this season. Having been to the Kelly Cup final yourselves, you know it doesn't happen by accident. And ask your players- they will tell you Alaska is a first class organization and a team they would love to skate for.
Going back to the popcorn-beer toss event, I think most Alaska fans were initially shocked. I know I was. Things are certainly done differently at the Orleans! Looking back, I can see it was meant to be in good fun. I guess I sort of had an inkling of how different things are when the Jumbotron was televising 'ref you suck' signs and Duke blindly stumbling around the arena with his striped shirt and white cane! I am guessing that the ownership/management in Anchorage would never allow that- maybe because it could incite a fan riot or something.
I too hope the Wranglers and Aces meet again for some playoff hockey and if that happens, I would hope some of you Wrangler fans would make the trip to Alaska with them. It would be a chance to experience the Sully, cowbells, and the Aces fans. Bring your earplugs.
First off not everyone who goes to a sporting event exhibit mature behavior, living in Ohio I can reference Ohio State fans in this aspect. In every arena, ballpark, pitch or stadium around the globe, including those in Anchorage and Las Vegas, you will find this unfortunate display. So calling one team's fans classless is like the kettle calling the cauldron black.
For Alaska fans who do not understand the way the Wranglers ownership handles their games and marketing so differently than the Aces organization, this is why. HOCKEY IS HARD TO SELL IN LAS VEGAS.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but hockey is king in Alaska. In Las Vegas it's maybe fourth (sadly). The Aces were founded in 1995 and since then Las Vegas has been home to three hockey franchises (two ice, one roller) and a myriad of juniors teams. Charles Davenport (Wrangler's owner) secured franchise rights in Las Vegas in 1999, the team was supposed to join the WCHL by 2001, but couldn't find a home until late 2002 and the Orleans wasn't supposed to be the home for the franchise, the team moved there since there was no progress being made on the Las Vegas Events Center.
Davenport, ownership partner Jonathan Fleisig and team president Billy Johnson are doing everything they can to put butts in the seats and keep the team from having a fate similar to the Las Vegas Thunder, or in Alaskan retrospect, Alaska (Fairbanks) Gold Kings. In this process they have had very "wacky" promotions like "Over-18 Night", but have also made national and international headlines with such promotions as "Dick Cheney Hunting Vest Night" and "Rod Blagojevich Prison Uniform Night".
My point is that Wranglers ownership doesn't have the comfort of being their city's (let alone their state's) only truly professional sports franchise or a team that plays a sport that is huge in their market. The Aces organization does. Where the Stickney family (former owners of the Las Vegas Thunder) failed the Wranglers ownership has prospered and that is why the team is set to play their seventh season in October, giving the Wranglers the second longest life span (Las Vegas Star/51s begin their 27th season tonight) in Las Vegas professional sports history.
Sorry for the long post and bumping an old discussion, but I thought this information need to be known.
On the game, kudos for Burt for showing what a true captain is. Even though he set the franchise single season goal record and captained the team to their first Kelly Cup Finals, I think Ferraro's actions may lead him to become the worst captain in team history, it is either him or Mike McBain. Any word on who will take over as captain? Wouldn't mind seeing Limpright given the C.
And if we talk about classless players, Metcalf squirted a water bottle in a five-year old's face a year or two ago b/c the kid was banging on the glass. Messing with other players is one thing, doing it to a fan, especially a kid, is uncalled for.
Segelrj- great post! I have taken to reading Wrangler news from the Vegas paper online several times a week. Steve Silver does a good job.