#The new high-tech scoreboards are pretty cool though

[trivialbob]

Last night Jack and Ali took me to a Minnesota Wild game as my Christmas gift. I had a very good time, despite Arizona blowing away the Wild.

When we first sat down I inwardly groaned. The guys behind us were very talkative and likely drunk. It could only get worse, I despaired. Oddly, as the game went on, and they kept drinking, they actually were funny. I warmed up to them and even laughed at some of the banter. When one of them accidentally bumped my back he apologized genuinely. We talked a little with other fans around us. I enjoyed that.

There were a few fisticuffs on the ice--and one nearly cooked off in front of me. A young brother and sister started to do what siblings do. Eventually a referee (mom) sat between them. They cooled off as well as they would have in the sin bin.

It was free hat night at the Xcel Energy Center. Everyone received a green and gold stocking cap (or "tuque" for the Canadians among us). A lot of those ended up on the ice in the second period after Arizona's fourth unanswered goal.

Traditionally a Hat Trick is to celebrate a single player's third goal in a one game. Fans threw hats onto the ice. I had been unaware of the opposite version, which protests the home team falling behind 4 to 0.

As much as I watch the on-ice action I note the off-ice activities. Years ago, at Minnesota North Stars games for example, a single Zamboni resurfaced the ice between periods. Eventually pro and college leagues added a second machine. I like watching the two "race" at the scorching speed of 5 MPH. Somewhere along the way jump seats were added and lucky fans get to ride along. Last night was pretty blonde passenger night.

Zamboni #1

Zamboni #2

There was even a Zamboni #3, though this one didn't resurface ice. It was for advertising (for my favorite grocery store) and allowed more fans to ride along.

During commercial breaks rink workers skate up and down with with shovels, clearing snow and making the surface smooth again. There used to be a handful of skaters who did this. They made one or two passes. Now it looks like a full team of skaters, and they completed multiple passes. Two more workers came out with tool bags. They inspect and repair ice at the goal anchors. Are we far off from mid-period Zamboni resurfacing?