Erie Otters vs. Plymouth Whalers

Friday night we took the kids to their first professional (minor league) Ice Hockey game. Erie has a local team, The Otters, and it is a shame that in the 8+ years we have been in Erie that we haven't been before. We were very fortunate that we had been invited to see the game in one of the Suites (private boxes) with food, all the pop the kids could drink, and a great elevated view of the game. Now they all have high expectations of how to see a hockey game and I'm sure next time the "Cheap" seats won't go over as well!!

Once we explained the concept of the game (kind of like full contact soccer on ice) and the teams took the ice, the boys got really into it. The girls were fascinated for the first 1/2 hour (mostly by the skating) and then turned their attention to the suite and anything else they could do. They enjoyed the experience but didn't really get into the hockey as much as the boys.

Erin was later mortified when "Shooter" the Over stuffed Otter mascot payed us a visit and like a good mascot he picked up on it. He made his way across the room and sat right in her lap!! (Photos available for a small fee!! hehehe) The other kids loved it and nearly died laughing. They all got to give him a "high five" and a hug before he left.

Unfortunately, by the end of the 2nd period (with the Otters behind 3-1) everyone was getting pretty tired, so we headed for home. Declan was torn, he knew he was tired but he was really enjoying the game. I think he would have toughed out through the rest of the game even if it involved having another Pepsi and using toothpicks to keep his eyes open, but he begrudgingly agreed to go home. As it turns out, the Otters never came back and lost 5-1 anyway. - J