| Central Texas Stampede |
Bell County Expo Center is one of the nicest arenas in the WPHL. It's nice and wide open and there's a few bad seats but most are ok. What's really strange about this arena is that there is no charge for parking (knock on wood). The only bad thing about seeing a game in this city is that there's not a nice sit down restaurant to eat in after the game. I asked one of the locals where I could go to eat after the game and he replied, "In this town? At this hour? Ha Ha Ha Ha!" Click here to see a picture of the Stampedes' craziest fan!
| Austin Ice Bats |
This is a really fun town. There's lots to do before and after the game. And there's no limit to the number of restaurants in this town. I can't say much for the Ice Bats arena though. Our seats for this game were lousy! We ended up sitting 3 rows behind an aisle where EVERYBODY walked. This went on for the WHOLE game! Also, either the heater was broken or the arena didn't have one; either way we froze.
| Fort Worth Brahmas |
This team plays at 2 different facilities. One of them is average and the other one is awesome. The awesome arena is Tarrant County Convention Center. It's right up there with the Oklahoma City arena. There are plenty of good restaurants within walking distance of the arena. Most of them are in an area called Sundance Square. The other arena is Will Rogers Coliseum. It's older (or at least older looking) than the other arena, but there's not a bad seat in the house. Click here to see a picture of "Bruiser" the mascot.
| Waco Wizards |
Right now the Waco arena (and parking lot) looks like a war zone but I can definitely see some potential when it's done. The Wizards are doing well this season but you would not know it based on the attendance of the games. This arena might be worth a look when the remodeling is completed and if you can ignore all the construction, the team is worth seeing now. The ticket prices are reasonable and there are plenty of places to eat. Just ask one of the locals and they will make a recommendation. Update: This team is now defunct.
| Shreveport Mudbugs |
The Mudbug organization has really made some improvements over last year. In fact, they've made so many improvements I'm having to completely rewrite what I said about the team last year. After visiting their coliseum last year, I said that the food wasn't all that great. Now they have one of the most unique menus in all the arenas that I've been to. It's hard to go wrong with items like jambalaya and seafood gumbo! Their intermission activities were also very entertaining. In one intermission, they had some blindfolded contestants walk around on the ice and search for a prize while people in the rafters dropped water balloons on the ice. Lucky for the contestants, none of them got soaked. In the other intermission activity, some gigantic dice were dropped from the rafters and if the numbers that came up matched the slip of paper that was handed to you when you walked in the door then you won a prize. I'm not sure if anybody won though because the numbers came up "snake eyes". (That's 2 "1's" for you non-gamblers). The rowdy crowd of 6,100 (capacity of roughly 8,000) saw their first place team win another game. Click here to see a picture of "Clawed" the mascot.
| Monroe Moccasins |
One thing about seeing a game in Monroe (if you don't already live in Louisiana), no matter where you're coming from, if you travel down the interstate you're going to pass by several casinos. Well, that was the case with me when I made this trip and so I decided to stop. It paid off because I walked in with $20 and walked out with $70. I'm currently enjoying it while it lasts because it never does. Oh yeah, the hockey game...... Monroe Civic Center is a nice arena that holds about 5,500 people when the game sells out. That wasn't the case this time as I was told it was the smallest crowd yet. Only 2,000 showed up for this game, but they supported their team and made a lot of noise. The tickets are both the least and most expensive in the WPHL, but there wasn't a bad seat in the house. This arena was definitely built for hockey and I can definitely see a rivalry developing sometime in the near future between Monroe and its neighbors to the West, the Shreveport Mudbugs. As far as a nice restauraunt is concerned, there are a few nice ones along the interstate. I was told that a new sports bar just opened but didn't get a chance to check it out.
| Lake Charles Ice Pirates |
I suppose the reason why the All Star game was in this city was because (A) There are casinos and (B) It is not quite as ugly as Shreveport (which also has gambling). I guess in all fairness it is a pretty nice lake they have there. The arena didn't look too bad either. One thing that was really appealing was the sound system in the arena. It was definitely full stereo sound. The fans support the team too and that is a plus considering that at the time of this writing, they were fighting for the last playoff spot. The intermission activities were pretty entertaining too. The had a boat (on wheels) that shot rolled up T-shirts into the crowd and the gun that they shot it out of was so powerful, they hit the ceiling a few times! A far cry from the human powered sling shots I've seen at some arenas. As far as a place to eat is concerned....hey it's sourthern Louisiana! 'nough said!
| San Angelo Outlaws |
One of my worst nightmares whenever I go on one of these long road trips (other than the car breaking down in the middle of nowhere) is to arrive to the game only to find out that there are no tickets left. It hasn't happened yet, but it almost happened in San Angelo. These people love their team! Actually, to be honest there is basically NOTHING else to do in San Angelo, but I still think they love their team. When we got there, there was just a few tickets left (standing room only). That would have been a REAL bummer to drive 600 miles round trip and not see the game! Anyway, we got in there and the arena is not very attractive but it was definitely a great place to see hockey. The people were really into the game and a few even dressed up as "Outlaws". About the only seats that I would consider less than desirable would be the seats where everybody walks in front of the main aisle and the ones behind the goals are at a bad angle and you pretty much have to stand (and then they ALL stand!) when the puck is in that area. Other than that, it was a great experience. Click here to see a picture of the San Angelo Outlaw mascot.
| Abilene Aviators |
I had a lot of fun at this game. For starters, the Aviators play in Taylor County Exposition Center AKA
The Hanger. On the paticular Sunday game that I saw, just over 2,000 fans were entertained by a camouflaged zamboni, a pretty cool mascot, and a group of rowdy teen fans that call themselves "The Bomb Squad".......and oh yeah, there was a pretty good hockey team on hand too! This arena looks a little like the Lake Charles arena on the inside and I've also been told it looks a little like the El Paso arena too. (Thanks for the input Victor). There are a few seats that are obscured by either walking people, plexiglass or even the Bomb Squad! (Just kidding). I'd also like to add that there is no alcohol served at this arena; take it for what it's worth. If you're lookin' for some good eatin', look no further than an old "rickety" restaurant called "Joe Allens" about a mile from the arena. Just ask any of the locals for directions and they will be able to tell you.
Update: This team is now defunct.
| Odessa Jackalopes |
With the exception of the metal beams close to the top, the "Jack Shack" is a pretty nice place to watch hockey. Between the combined cities of Odessa and Midland, there is apparently enough people to support this team. When arriving to the Midland/Odessa area, there didn't appear to be much to see or do. It seems that the town is more spread out than other WPHL cities. Overall I'd say that this whole trip was less appealing than some of the others that I've been on, but then again, I'm just one person with one opinion and what I say or think doesn't change the fact that the Jacks make for good rivalies with Abilene, San Angelo and even Lubbock starting next year. Click here to see picture of "Slapjack", the Odessa mascot.
| Arkansas Glaciercats |
The first description of Barton Coliseum that comes to mind is that it looks exactly like Hirsch Coliseum (in Shreveport) on the inside. All the seats are red and white and the lobby area is about the same too. The mascot was a laugh riot as he drove his 3 wheeler around on the ice during the intermission and he kept the crowd entertained. The game that I saw drew a pretty big crowd and they really backed their team. Before the game, I had a really nice dinner at a place called Dillon's Steak House a few miles west of the arena. If you stop in Little Rock for a game, I recommend eating there as there is hardly anything close to the arena.
Update: This team is now defunct.
| Tupelo T-Rex |
Tupelo Coliseum is a pretty nice arena to watch hockey in. Some local sources told me that the T-Rex arena used to be a mall but you can't really tell. There's a pretty good view from all the seats and the crowd really supports their team. Tupelo appears to be a really nice town but I didn't get to spend much time there (this time). I got to the game late and had to leave right after it was over. I'm kind of surprised I even got to see a game there this year (it was the last one of the season vs. the NM Scorpions). Out of all the new expansion teams that came in with the T-Rex, I pretty much thought Tupelo was out of reach but I managed to see Arkansas and the T-Rex on the same trip. I really am sorry I did not get to see more of this city as I've been told by more than one person that it's a nice city to visit. Click here to see a picture of the T-Rex zamboni.
| New Mexico Scorpions |
This team plays in a building on the Fairgrounds called Tingley Coliseum aka "Stingley Coliseum" and it's not exactly the Taj Mahal. In fact, it's downright UGLY but hey, it's minor league hockey right? Before I saw a game there I was told that the building was real dark inside and everybody should be handed a hard hat (w/ a light) and a pitchfork just in case the place collasped (because it's so old). The powers that be have lit it up and if you can get past the fact that half of the seats are baby blue then you might actually like the arena. Other than the fact that it's the 2nd biggest barn in the league (and they are close to the top in attendance), there really isn't much to say here.
| Amarillo Rattlers |
The Amarillo Civic Center looks a lot like Monroe's building on the inside. It's got big seats, but it's a nice, tight capacity of roughly 5,000 and it can get quite loud in there under the right circumstances. The town of Amarillo is not much to look at, but if you're out there, take a look at Cadillac Ranch along I-40. And absolutely NO trip to Amarillo is complete without a visit to the Big Steak House. If you can eat a whole 72 ounce steak and everything else on the plate then the meal is on the house. Otherwise it's gonna cost you a few bucks!
| Oklahoma City Blazers |
This road trip was quite an experience! The Myriad is a nice arena. In fact, it's borderline big league. The ticket prices are average and there's a cluster of restaurants down the street to eat in before or after the game. This town really supports their team. I saw one game on Sunday and arrived early for fear of not getting a ticket to the game. The next time I went was on a Saturday and I ordered tickets in advance. Turned out to be a good move as the game sold out.
| Tulsa Oilers |
The inside of the Tulsa arena looks a lot like the arena in Monroe.......or should that be the other way around? Tulsa is definitely not a newcomer to minor league hockey. In fact, when the old CHL was in operation, the "old" Tulsa Oilers also played in this building and I must admit it's held up well. I had a lot of fun on this trip. I had heard at one time or another that the Tulsa fans were a little on the "hostile" side but that didn't seem to be the case tonight (I'm real glad to hear that since my Brother ALWAYS roots for the other team no matter where we go). The parking fee was reasonable and the food was pretty good (they had 25 cent hot dogs that night). The seats are a little on the narrow side but it's real compact and there's not a bad seat in the house. And in closing, I'd like to say hello to the people I sat next to at the game. Doug, Sean, and Kris, you guys are "true hockey fans". Hope to see you when I get up to Memphis to see a game.
| Memphis River Kings |
MidSouth arena is a nice arena for watching a hockey game. Over the past 2 years, people have asked me why I thought this was a nice arena when the locals think it stinks. My only reply is that they must have never been to an arena like Fair Park Coliseum in Dallas. Now THAT is a dump! The tickets Mid-South are reasonable and the food is pretty good too. The small crowd that was there made a lot of noise. I say it was a small crowd but I was actually a crowd of about 5,000 which would sell out some of the smaller arenas. I can't say much for the sound system though. (Sorry Doug and Kris, I had to say it!) There's lots to do before and after the game in this town. If you're looking for excitement before or after the game, try Beale Street in downtown Memphis. You'll have plenty of restaurants and blues clubs to choose from when you get there. If that doesn't suit your fancy, try Tunica, Mississippi. It's 20 miles south of Memphis and among all the casinos, there's plenty to do. Click here to see "Riverthing", the Riverking mascot
| Nashville Ice Flyers |
The arena (Municipal Auditorium) where
the Ice Flyers play is huge, dirty and old. As near as I can
tell, the Ice Flyers will be out of Nashville by next year when
the new NHL team takes over. What I have a hard time
understanding is this: The minor league team in Nashville
averages about 3,000 people per game in an arena that seats about
10,000 (AND they're in 2nd place in their division so it's not
like they're in the cellar with no hope of making the playoffs).
What I'd like to know is how did they manage to get an NHL
team??? Maybe they'll prove me wrong next year. Much like
Memphis, this is a real fun town before and after the game.
There are lots of restaurants to eat in and clubs to see. However,
I must mention that the Big River Cafe (across from the Hard Rock
Cafe) totally SUCKED and I would not recommend eating there.
UPDATE: As predicted this team did close up operations in Nashville and they are hoping to relocate somewhere in a neighboring state for the 1999-2000 season.
| Huntsville Channel Cats |
I don't know why this arena was so empty when I went to the game in Huntsville (unless it was because it was because it was on a Sunday afternoon). Von Braun arena was real nice and the tickets were only $5. The team provided plenty of entertainment with their neanderthal hockey players. The Huntsville team had 3 players thrown out the game inside the first 14 minutes of the game! It was pretty entertaining......borderline WWF wrestling, but entertaining. Overall I'd say this game was the biggest bang for the buck of the three game road trip (Memphis, Nashville, and Huntsville). Also, if you get the chance, check out the Division II NCAA college hockey team (University of Alabama-Huntsville). They've won the Div-II National Championship 2 out of the last 3 years. Click here to see a picture of Finnley the mascot.
| Fort Worth Fire |
This team plays at 2 different facilities. One of them is average and the other one is awesome. The awesome arena is Tarrant County Convention Center. It's right up there with the Oklahoma City arena. There are plenty of good restaurants within walking distance of the arena. Most of them are in an area called Sundance Square. The other arena is Will Rogers Coliseum. It's older (or at least older looking) than the other arena, but there's not a bad seat in the house. Click here to see a picture of "Scorch" the mascot. Update: This team is now defunct.
| San Antonio Iguanas |
I actually saw Freeman Coliseum the first time the Iggies were in existance but for some reason I chose not to write about it until I saw the coliseum again this season. I guess it's because I saw it before I decided to create this web page. The coliseum itself is not very attractive but it's just right for hockey. The guys in purple and white usually attract a big crowd but if the right opposing team is in town, the place can get downright rowdy! This team has, in my opinion, a very loyal following. I've seen groups of Iggie fans at WPHL games watching former Iggie players when the team was on a one year hiatus. As far as restaurant and hotels are concerned, plenty of good ones can be found in just about any area except near the coliseum. The Riverwalk has more "commercial" restaurants than it ever has but it's still a great place to eat and have a good time.
| Baton Rouge Kingfish |
The Kingfish have a big arena, but not the fans (or at least the night that I was there). There's really not a bad seat in the house. The arena is within walking distance to one of the local casinos and a few restaurants which makes up for the lackluster atmosphere of the arena. It's really not a bad town (if you're visiting for some other reason besides hockey) and New Orleans is just a hop, skip and a jump away if you want to have a REAL good time.
| Louisiana Ice Gators |
AWESOME! SIMPLY AWESOME! Cajundome arena is huge! I arrived about 90 minutes before the game and all the other fans were already there waiting for the doors to open. When I got there, I was afraid I wasn't going to get a ticket to the game and would end up going home early. I told the lady that I didn't care if I had to sit in the penalty box with the players if that's the only way I was going to get inside. She did manage to find one ticket and I thought it was the best seat in the house. There really isn't a bad seat in the house. The fans were awesome too! The fans at this game are the kind of people that would have a party even if they had a flat tire on the side of the road. The Icegators at the time were in 3rd or 4th place, but the fans were behind them 100%. Everytime the home team scored, the fans (during the "hey" song) would fully extend their arms to form an alligator's mouth (and clap). It was quite a scene to see the entire crowd do this. As far as a restaurant to eat in is concerned, I didn't look for one but if you ever see a game there, just ask one of the locals for a recommendation. If they can't recommend one, then they will probably take you to their place and cook you a decent cajun meal (just another reason for them to have a good time). If you decide to go there and see a game, I recommend buying tickets in advance. The building holds almost 12,000 and they don't have a problem filling it. Click here to see a picture of "T-Chomp" the mascot.
| New Orleans Brass |
When it comes to hockey, I did not know what to expect before I made the trip to New Orleans to see the Brass play. I can't really say it was a bad experience, just different. Municipal Auditorium is, well, an auditorium. When attempting to find my seat, it felt like I was attending an opera (or even church). The lobbies are small and carpeted and it's pretty obvious that hockey was not a consideration when the building was built. There's not exactly any kind of hockey tradition in New Orleans and that should be accepted because there's so much more to do in this town besides watching hockey. If you do go to New Orleans strictly for a hockey game, don't expect much. If, however, you go to this city for other reasons, expect to see everything plus a little more. Click here for pictures of New Orleans. Click here to see a picture of "Scratchmo" the mascot. Update: This team now has a new arena and I am told it's real nice. I'll make it down there when I get the chance.
| Mississippi Seawolves |
Be prepared to have a LOT of fun when going to the gulf coast! The Mississippi Coast Coliseum is a huge domed arena that compares to the Cajundome but is not quite as nice. The inside looks a little like the Huntsville arena in that the rows of seats are steep and there's 6 or 7 rows of seats on each end (behind the goals). One thing I can do without is all the microphones around the glass so all the crashes into the boards are amplified. The arena was at about half of capacity but the fans that were there made a lot of noise. There's lots to do in this town and you will run out of time and/or money before you see it all and I'm not just talking about the casinos either. There's any number of activities going on at the beach at any given time. On this paticular weekend, several boats participated in the "Parade of Lights". When staying in Biloxi, I recommend The Grand Hotel and Casino. It's roughly $100 a night but it was first class all the way! Click here to see a picture of "Hook" the mascot.
| Houston Aeros |
This is my first IHL team to see so I don't have much to compare it to but I will say this: I definitely got my money's worth! I realize that this arena is already big league for basketball, but for the price it's great for IHL hockey too. Compaq Center is located in the central region of Houston and it's just off highway 59 and I-610. I really liked the opening "introductions". They've got a mascot named "Chilly" (which is a very large dog) that comes out onto the ice riding a recreational vehicle of some kind. Actually it looked like something shot him out onto the ice because he was airborn when he made his appearance. While I was in Houston, I ate at a great restaurant called Dixies Roadhouse that is located on the service road of I-10 west of Houston (at mile marker 761 I think). The food was a little on the pricey side but worth it. Overall, I had a really nice time.
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