It’s a mildly cool, sunny, breezy Sunday afternoon in Savannah, Georgia. Hundreds of fans line up outside of Enmarket Arena, the home of the ECHL’s Savannah Ghost Pirates. It’s jacket weather in the south, but in this particular instance, it’s hockey jersey weather.
In only their second year in the league, the city of Savannah is playing host to the ECHL’s All-Star Classic. The annual event celebrates the league’s best players for a night of hockey and skills competitions, the host city team squaring off against a squad of the best from around the ECHL.
Alongside the hockey itself is the ECHL’s Fan Fest event. The one-day, fan-centric celebration gives lovers of the sport a chance to fulfill some hockey bucket list dreams. While those outside are treated to interactive minigames and performances by the Ghost Pirates drumline, fans inside have the opportunity to take locker room tours, skate on the ice with Ghost Pirates players, and get their photo taken with the Stanley Cup.
Even in a non-traditional hockey market such as South Georgia, the event is a hit. Around the interior of Enmarket Arena, lines wrap through the building for skate rentals, autograph and picture opportunities. Game booths that allow fans to test their hockey skills, such as an electronic net people can take shots on, litter the arena floor, and attract buzzing crowds. Merchandise stands are packed with folks clamoring for neon green and black Ghost Pirates attire.
The entire experience reflects the success the team from Savannah’s had when it comes to providing an unforgettable hockey atmosphere. It’s a surprising draw for crowds in an area of the country that often goes overlooked in hockey.
“I think once people come to games, they realize how much fun it is, and they just keep on coming back,” one fan told Inside The Rink.
Davy, the Ghost Pirates mascot, mingled with fans both inside and outside the building, getting involved in the drumline’s performances and taking time for autographs and photos. At times, the paranormal pirate was defending his local haunt from K-9 Fang, the mascot of the Jacksonville Icemen. Fang, making a guest appearance in Savannah for All-Star weekend, joined Davy in the on-ice shenanigans.
“Just having the opportunity to get out here and skate with the fans, it’s been a blast,” said Savannah Ghost Pirates captain Matt Boudens.
The Savannah forward was one of many players who took to the ice and skated alongside the mascots and fans, stopping to take photos, sign merchandise, and chat with supporters. Those one-on-one interactions helped in creating a memorable atmosphere for spectators and players alike.
“I mean, it’s going to be a spectacular event, just as a whole,” Boudens continued.
Including things such as hall of fame ceremonies, trophy displays, and interactive exhibits, entertainment value wasn’t hard to find at Fan Fest. Overall, the event provided fans a chance to get up close and personal with parts of the sport unorthodox hockey markets typically miss out on.
[Author’s note*: Fan quotes contributed by Grace Gendron and Armand Klisivitch of Inside The Rink]
