My First Wild Hockey Game

No, I’m not 3 years old. Well, mentally maybe. But today I witnessed my first Minnesota Wild hockey game. And as far as first experiences could go, not too bad.

I got a call from the Rick James and he told me he had an extra ticket and today was the day to behold my first Wild hockey game in the Xcel Arena. Now I’ve been to the Xcel Arena before for concerts (Foo Fighters/Weezer – which was amazing!), but never hockey. So I ran down to James (well actually I drove), we hopped in the H-Bomb and we were on our way.

First, I was hungry and needed sustenance before the game. Hey, any real player needs his energy right? What other better place to stop for food than McDonalds? Well, in the words of Ron Burgundy, “McDonalds was a bad choice!” Half-way through the game I experienced what I can only describe as side-splitting cramps as my body started to reject the foul cuisine that I had mistakenly put into it. But as any good hockey player would do; I shook it off and played with the pain.

So long story short, we got free parking, got to the arena and took our seats. The thing that’s great about the Xcel Arena is that every seat is a great seat. Especially the 200 level (upper deck – cheap seats), which is exactly where we sat. Great seats from up there you could see everything!! We were ready for the game!

The challenge: MN Wild vs. Phoenix Coyotes. Okay, not too hard of a challenge. As the Phoenix Coyotes are not doing too well this year, even under the tutelage of hockey great Wayne Gretzky. However, all in all a pretty entertaining hockey game. Lots of good plays, near misses, and good team work. The final score was 4-0 and the Wild were victorious against Wayne Gretzky’s lame Coyotes. Sorry Gretzky! You may have been the former god of hockey, but we can’t live on memories alone. Just ask the band Poison.

Once the game was over, that’s when the real action took place. The moment Rick James had been preparing and anticipating for for who knows how long. I watched as the last few seconds ticked by on the scoreboard clock and then listened as the final horn blared defiantly, signifying the end of the game. I stood up thinking we were going to leave and all I notice is an arm on my shoulder and a quick few words from the James, "Oh no, man. Sit down. We’re not leaving yet. The best part is coming!” Confused I sit down and wait patiently. I watch and look down at the arena where everyone starts to file out of their rows as they look like ants leaving the colony. Soon the arena gets emptier and emptier. Finally, after a few minutes only a few people are left and James stands up and says, "Here we go!" Immediately the Rick James springs into action running up this row and that. Bending down with lighting quick speed and reflexes he continues to pick stuff up from the floor while running like a monkey on a mission. What is he picking up? Why is he running up the rows and aisles? I quickly figure it out what he is doing. What some consider trash … to the James is gold. He’s going around and picking up all the used plastic souvenir cups he can find for the use of his beloved daily 'Chocolate Milk routine' at home, or perhaps for the use of cups to serve beer at his next party.

After a few minutes James returns and says,” Okay dude, now we can go.” I look up to a towering monument of MN Wild cups. Even Wally the Beerman would be proud! There were 39 in all, just one cup shy of 40. We head out of the arena and everyone we pass just stares at the wobbling stack of plastic cups and a few people ask if Eric’s okay to drive home or if he’s had too much to drink to which he responds in a fake drunken accent, “Iiimmm alllrriigghttt!”

We get back to the car, the cups hit the backseat and we’re on the road. I’ve experienced my first Wild game and Eric has his crowning achievement. All in all, a good adventure.

However, just a word of wisdom to the readers out there. Next time you find yourself down at the Rick James’ House of Funk and he offers you a cup to put your beverage of choice in. Take a close gander at the emblem on the cup and an even closer look inside. Consider it just a few words of wisdom from a fellow onlooker.