It was a rainy start to Saturday, but there was plenty of entertainment for Frozen Four fans before the Championship Game.
The Verizon Center is conveniently located close to a Metro station as well as to sights of historical significance. Hockey fans were lining up at the International Spy Museum, gobbling up tickets that had the museum sold out until 5pm. Across the street, fans were able to gain free entry to the National Portrait Gallery where presidential portraits offered a chronological history of the highest office in the nation.
In addition to the multitude of museums at their disposal, fans were also able to escape the rain while following in the skates of their favorite college player. The Verizon Center allowed fans to skate on the ice surface for free from 1-3pm on Saturday, drawing a sizable crowd of future Hall Of Famers.
The diversity of the crowd was apparent in the open skate participants. Miami and Boston fans mingled, as did fans of just about every college hockey program imaginable. To ensure everyone got a shot at skating, the ice was cleared at 30 minute intervals.
The Burton Family, from Baltimore, consider themselves "hockey fans trapped in the Mid-Atlantic".
The father, Jack -- sporting the Terriers jersey -- was an unabashed BU fan, as was his daughter Emily. His son Dan -- sporting an arm sling -- was a Boston College fan. His wife Kim had been supporting Bemidji State. Both siblings play hockey, and hope to go on to do so in college. Testament to the draw of the Frozen Four, and of college hockey to its most ardent fans.
Jack predicted a 5-2 Terriers win. Kim was looking for a 5-4 Miami win in 2OT.
Leave a comment