5:28 p.m. – Good afternoon everybody, Tyler here. Ethan handed the blog over to me for the pregame post. It’s comparable to the boss handing you the keys to his sports car, pretty exciting stuff. After bowling this morning and enjoying some downtime at the hotel, we headed to the VIP (Vintage Italian Pizza) for the pregame meal of pasta and breadsticks at 3:30 p.m.
If there is anything to be learned from the pregame meal, it’s the way to the women’s hockey team’s hearts: bread. This was made evident following a comment from senior Meagan Wanecke. One bite into her breadstick, Meags put it simply by saying, “If anybody doesn’t want their breadstick, I’m your girl!” For the record, I had two of them because they were so good. Job well done VIP, the meal was much appreciated.
It was back to the bus for a short ride over to the rink following the pregame meal. What once was a giddy group of college girls quickly became a team of intense, determined hockey players. Headphones and straight faces came on as the Gusties began preparing for this afternoon’s semifinal matchup with Elmira. I couldn’t help but feel a chill run up my spine as the excitement and emotion of game day started to come over me.
We arrived at the Wessman Arena a few minutes after 4:00 p.m. where Middlebury is holding a 2-0 lead over Plattsburgh State at the end of the second period. We were greeted by our host, Michelle, for the weekend and the team entered to begin their warm-up rituals. By the way, Michelle has been an outstanding host during our time here. Now is the time that each player undergoes their own unique pregame routines to get themselves ready.
I made my way up to the press box where I was greeted by Ethan with his famous phrase, “C’mon! Let’s get it going!” He has been here for the duration of the first game this afternoon, which has him in the mood for some Gustie hockey.
We are about two hours from puck drop here in Superior, and emotions are beginning to run high. Parents wearing the Black and Gold are beginning to fill the seats, it sure is nice to be close to home. If you’re not able to make it up to Superior for tonight’s 7:00 p.m. opening faceoff, you can still follow all of the action by watching the live video or live stats links below.
The clock is winding down on the first semifinal with Middlebury now holding a 2-1 lead after a third period goal for Plattsburgh. Time to go prep for tonight’s game. Go Gusties!