Instead of our annual hockey trip taking place in November, my brother and I moved it to March this year for various reasons. It is a riskier time because of the weather, but it looks like we are going to sneak out a few good days. Our trip thru the OHL continues, but that game is the finale of our venture. I will start in Ithaca, NY Friday Night for an Ivy League basketball game between Cornell and Yale. This has huge implications as the Elis are in a fight with Princeton at the top of the standings. Newman Arena will bring back memories as it was my first solo trip back in 2002 as I drove from Oswego to Ithaca in my green Toyota Tercel with a Dave Matthews Band CD playing in the background.
I’ll meet up with Eric in Rochester Saturday Morning and we’ll then drive to Pittsburgh for a 3 PM matinee at the Consol Energy Center as the Pens take on Calgary. NHL Arena #8 on my list will be one of the newest and though I miss the Igloo’s uniqueness, I’m sure this will be an enjoyable visit. After the game, we’ll spend some time in the Steel City before heading up to Erie on Sunday for our OHL game. Like Cornell, I visited this place in 2002, however it has been redone significantly both inside and out. In fact, I’m still debating on if I should consider this a ‘new’ arena instead of a renovation…similar to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees and PNC Field. I’m leaning no since Erie did not have to leave town for a season. That game will be against Niagara at 5 PM. Three games, one new visit and a great weekend coming up!
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Stadium and Arena Visits 