Breaking the Ice

A fight broke out; a jersey got ripped off, then thrown to the ice; a plexiglass screen protecting the fans got smashed by an errant puck. Ah, the pleasures of professional hockey.

Maybe the recent game between the Mighty Ducks and Washington Capitals in Anaheim was a little rowdier than most, but not by much. Hockey is rowdy, with even the mascots getting into the act.

The one for the Ducks--the ever-moving Wild Wing--crashed into the stands while Queen’s “We Will Rock You” blasted throughout the arena. The crowd of 17,174 was pleased with all the antics, especially when T-shirts were sent by slingshot into the seats.

Oh, by the way, the Ducks won, 5-4.

Since opening in 1993, the Pond has evolved into the place to bring the family for a little roughhousing, good-natured or otherwise. They had plenty to enjoy with the Capitals in town.

In fact, after the referees pulled left wing Ken Baumgartner off a whipped Capitals player, the crowd paid Baumgartner the highest compliment: They serenaded him with “Macho Man” as he skated off to serve his 10 minutes of penalty time.

FO