I have to say that I was less than excited when my editor asked me if I’d like to attend a Devils game. I’m not much for sports; in fact, I had never once attended a professional sporting event. Not once! When I admitted as much to my co-workers, they were shocked and appalled. I would be joining them for the game — and there would be no last-minute excuses.
Luckily, we were attending the game at the invitation of the Prudential Center’s media team. Upon arrival at the Prudential Center, our group received a guided tour of the venue’s inner-workings — including a close encounter with the Devils’ Zamboni machine. Could we take a ride? No. Some dreams are just too grand.
After the tour, we were led to the Acela Lounge, with its opulent, breath-taking dinner buffet. The spread included everything from venison (freshly smoked in the parking lot, we were informed), to luscious lobster-and-crab cheesecake, to a deconstructed shepherd’s pie. Danielle, one of our hosts, explained that the lounge’s chef shied away from traditional menus, and often prepared exotic dishes like bison and alligator.
The Devils already were on the ice when we finally took our seats. I thought I would be checking the time every few minutes, but I barely noticed as the periods ticked by. I was engrossed in the game, cheering each time the Devils scored, and scowling when Tampa (no doubt through treachery) managed to sneak a puck past Martin Brodeur, the Devils’s estimable goalie.
The game was over way too fast, but I could console myself knowing that the home team was on its way to the playoffs. The final tally was 6-4, a veritable bonanza of scoring — or so I am told.
I am now a proud member of the Devils Army. Yes, they sent me a certificate to prove it.