Came down to the Lower Mainland last weekend to visit family and attend the Vancouver Outdoor Show, and decided to take in the AHL game between the Abbotsford Heat and the Houston Aeros on Saturday night.
I have heard a lot about the caliber of play in the AHL, but have never had the opportunity to see a game live. Needless to say I was not disappointed. Both teams displayed a great deal of talent and played hard. The AHL provides its fans with a very good brand of professional hockey. True, it is not the NHL, but it is still very good hockey and well worth watching.
This was also my first visit to the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre and once again I was not disappointed. There did not seem to be a bad seat in the arena and the staff, volunteer or paid, were more than courteous.
This leads me to my question – why isn’t there more support for this organization and these hockey players? I was truly shocked to see how poorly this game was attended. This is professional hockey, very good hockey and I see no reason why they should not get better support than what they appear to be getting. If it wasn’t for a couple hundred Scouts that were there for a special occasion (game and overnight stay) the rink would have been embarrassingly empty.
As I asked, what is with this? It would seem that this team would belong to not just Abbotsford, but the entire Fraser Valley. With the caliber of hockey being displayed by these two teams and the AHL, this arena should be filled. I know if I get the opportunity I will be back. Get out and support this team, it is well worth it – and no, I do not work for the Heat!
Bill Haviland, Merritt
