I discovered something very important at the Carnival week hockey game that others who are currently suffering from post-concussion syndrome might want to take note of: earplugs really do work. At first I was skeptical about going to this game because I knew that McConnell arena would be packed to the rafters with enthusiastic Management Carnival participants whose screams would surely give me a pounding headache. I was willing to try whatever I could in order to avoid missing out on the festivities, so I put in the earplugs and I’m very glad that they were so effective. I was able to enjoy the atmosphere and the game without feeling as though my brain was about to explode.
Had I not been wearing earplugs, I’m sure that my concussion would have forced me to leave after only a few minutes. The crowd at this game was wilder than any I have seen out so far this year to support the Redmen hockey team. The stands were filled with Carnival participants, decked out in jumpsuits and screaming at the top of their lungs. Several items were thrown on the ice, gallons of beer were consumed and many creative signs were on display in the crowd. There was a frenzied vibe in the building from all of the people, and of course there was much taunting of the opposition from a few obnoxious fans. The Carleton goalie in particular was forced to endure hundreds of people jeering at him and a few very classy spectators informing him of exactly how fat his mother is. Remarkably, he still managed to pull off a shut-out in both regulation play and overtime. Talk about unshakable focus.
The same cannot be said for many of the other players on the ice. Both McGill and Carleton seemed quite rattled by the fans, as they are not used to playing in front of such a large crowd. Neither team seemed able to keep possession of the puck for long periods of time, or to set up good scoring chances. Not much offense was created by either squad, as was apparent from the 0-0 score at the end of regulation time. This is extremely rare, especially at the University level when games commonly end with both teams scoring upwards of 4 or 5 goals.
The overtime period was no more exciting, with neither team generating any gasp-worthy scoring opportunities. In the shoot-out, both goalies managed to save the first two shots they were faced with. When it came time for McGill’s third shooter, the entire crowd was on its feet shouting encouragement. As the red light came on to signal that the first goal of the night had been scored, the entire building erupted into cheers. Carleton had one last shooter that could have tied the game and forced the shoot-out to continue, but McGill’s goaltender managed to pull off one final save, earning a 1-0 victory for the good guys.
If you missed this epic game and are feeling upset about it, do not worry! There are plenty of opportunities to attend exciting athletic competitions at McGill. Click here for a list of all upcoming games.
See you in the stands!
- Martlet Girl
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