Any skeptic of Boston University’s school spirit who was passing Agganis Arena Saturday evening would have been admittedly impressed. Hundreds of students clad in scarlet and white hockey jerseys snaked around the arena. They lined up in anticipation of the annual hockey mania event: The official kick off of the BU men’s ice hockey season. However, the first fan in line did not arrive 45 minutes early just to soak in the buzz.
“I wanted to make sure I was one of the first 2000, so I could get a free t-shirt,” College of General Studies sophomore Kate Guastafeiro said, shrugging. “You never know how many or how few people are going to show up.”
When the doors opened slightly after 6 p.m. this year – instead of the traditional midnight start time – fans still pushed through seeking the thrill of BU’s marquee sport. But the pent-up excitement never really amounted to anything spectacular. Despite a commendable effort by organizers and the fans themselves, many agreed the result was disappointing.
“It’s a real shame BU broke the tradition of Midnight Mania,” said Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences sophomore Bob Garofano. “The atmosphere was really boring.”
It’s easy to understand why. The student section – section 118 – wasn’t even full. A spattering of people dotted the remainder of the arena. The BU pep band was missing due to a competition in Pennsylvania. There was no opponent for the Dog Pound to mock.
The most common reason fans said they were disgruntled was the 6 p.m. replacement of the former Midnight Mania. Per tradition, fans used to gather at Walter Brown Arena and get pumped up to see the team practice at the stroke of midnight.
“I’ve heard about this tradition for so long,” School of Education freshman Heather Kohn said. “It was a huge disappointment to have it at 6, but I’m still here.”
The National Collegiate Athletic Association restricts official team practices before a certain date to promote fairness. Last week, The BU Athletic Department told The Daily Free Press that Midnight Mania was no longer possible due to a new NCAA compliance forbidding midnight practices.
Days after primetime Hockey Mania was over, the athletic department rescinded its statement, saying they had misunderstood the NCAA. In fact, the NCAA had not rolled back its restrictions on what time hockey teams could practice.
Men’s hockey coach Jack Parker said he appreciated fan support and said he “wanted to get the students in and out” so they could continue on with evening plans.
“But Midnight Mania was my going-out plan,” Garofano said.
Aryn Enjow, a College of Arts and Sciences junior, said the event was short to begin with, and watching the team at midnight would not have interfered with her Saturday night agenda.
“This is lame,” she said, laughing. “You can’t pre-game for something at 6 p.m.”
Student Union President Jon Marker said the new timing of the event was a “good call.” Said he believed more people would show up because of the early evening time.
“[The players] said they wanted it earlier,” Marker said. “Hockey Mania shouldn’t interfere with the player’s schedules.”
Although many students said they came to see their team scratch the ice for the first time this season, the free t-shirts and food were a major draw. Each attendee received vouchers for a free drink, hot dog, pizza slice, popcorn and nachos.
“I came to watch the skills competition,” College of Communication sophomore Amanda Comak said. “But the free food and t-shirts are another reason I’m here.”
Boston firefighters Rodney Herbin and Dennis Hester stood in the lobby ready to call the fire department if necessary.
“There is going to be a smoke machine,” Herbin said. “We had to disable all the smoke detectors in the building to prepare for it.”
But as the Terriers skated onto the dark ice and multicolored spotlights circled the arena, only a few smoky clouds puffed before the lights came back on and the crowd quieted. Their grand entrance was short-lived and forgettable.
The night was not a letdown for everyone. College of Arts and Sciences freshman Kelsey Grover won the “dance for an iPod” contest. As she jogged around the concourse on a victory lap, she slapped high fives with strangers.
“I can’t believe I won,” she said, catching her breath. “I’m going to come to every game from now on.”
Prizes at the event were not exclusive to students. Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore snagged a one night’s stay at Hotel Commonwealth by shooting more goals than his student opponents.
Freshmen yet to experience BU hockey mania stood wide-eyed and eager for the season to begin.
Both Kohn and CAS freshman Kimberlee Chow received BU hockey jerseys as high school graduation presents last spring.
“My sister is a senior, so I’ve heard all about hockey for the past three years,” Chow said. She and her older sister planned to skate with the players during the showing of the movie “Miracle” on the jumbotron.
A few volunteers from the BU Dance Team applied Terrier tattoos and offered face painting for those who wanted to express fanaticism more visually.
“We did this last year [at Midnight Mania] and we try to do it at basketball games, too,” CAS sophomore and team member Miranda Trohon said. “Sometimes it’s hard to get people psyched, but we try the best we can.”
Many students said they attempted, but failed, to attain season passes.
“It means I’ll be out here most Monday mornings trying to get my ticket for each week’s game,” Comak said.
According to Parker, students like Comak are crucial to the success of the hockey program. As he skated with a microphone in hand, Parker thanked the fans – especially those who occupy section 118.
“We tip our hats to you,” he said, weaving around his athletes. “We can’t explain how important you are … you do have an effect on whether we win or lose.”
After Parker spoke, the crowd broke out into “Go BU” and “Let’s go Terriers” chants, filling the arena with a sense of school pride – for a minute, anyway.
Although hockey mania ended with piles of leftover t-shirts and crumbled nacho chips, the loyal fans will continue to uphold hockey tradition at BU this season.