Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Advertisements
Advertisements

Grand time in Grand Forks

No one forgets a memorable road trip. Whether you're headed on a long journey to a concert or sporting event, there's just something about packing a bunch of buddies into that old Chevy that makes the multiple-hour journey well-worth it. For me, that something is the uncertainty. You know exactly where you want to go, but you have no idea what's going to happen along the way.

Knowing I am quite the pucks fan, a colleague of mine once told me that I must make the nine-hour trek to Ralph Engelstad Arena — the palace of collegiate hockey — and the home of the Fighting Sioux.

So without further ado, I present the captain's log of my road trip to the most unique state in the good old U S of A: the great state of North Dakota.

Advertisements

8 a.m. Friday. The Journey Begins

We stop at Arby's in St. Paul, Minn., and enjoy some mozzarella sticks and jalapeño poppers for lunch. One of the great parts about a road trip is seeing the sports paraphernalia change as you cross over into different states. There were probably only 10 people in the whole place, and half of them were wearing Vikings, Gophers or T-Wolves jackets. Wow, what a great decade to be a Minnesota sports fan.

Along the way, I see a big sign for St. Cloud State University. I must say, until reading this sign I never truly believed that the school existed. I was always under the impression that St. Cloud State was a make-believe place that pretended to have a university just so they could have a WCHA hockey program.

Somewhere in Evansville, Minn., we come across a BP gas station. While filling up the car, I notice the topless bar across the street, which was eerily similar to the Fratelli's hideout in "Goonies." Unfortunately, we were pressed for time; otherwise, we may have enjoyed some live entertainment. Then again, Friday was amateur night, so maybe it was for the best we passed on the opportunity.

Around 6 p.m., we arrive at the hotel in Grand Forks. Now this wasn't just your average motel, this was a Budget Inn Express. While we check in, we have a nice hockey conversation with the college-aged kid behind the desk, when I notice a sign that says, "$10 deposit required for pets." I make a corny joke about paying the deposit for Brenner and get our key to the room.

We drive over to our room, when I determine this is the type of hotel you either enjoy with a prostitute, or don't make it out of alive. Or both.

6:00 p.m. Arrive at Ralph Engelstad Arena

What I was told about the arena could not have prepared me for what I was about to see. Ralph Engelstad Arena is by far the most magnificent place to watch a hockey game in the country. Period.

The arena's beautiful concourses are layered with marble flooring, costing north of $5 million to install. Massive bars are located at both ends of the ice, providing unobstructed views of the action.

I take a walk around the concourse and see the widest food selection I have ever seen at any arena — B-dubs, Subway, Dippin' Dots, TCBY, Little Caesars and the standard Sioux Grill headline: an all-star cast. I, of course, stay true to my Badger roots and order the fish fry and cheese curds.

I hear Steve Miller Band in the background, when I stumble upon a live band right in the middle of the concourse.

If that wasn't cool enough, there are dome hockey games outside a handful of sections. Basically, it's the Kohl Center on steroids, and the whole place smells of rich mahogany.

7:15 p.m. Pregame

The PA announcer does his best impression of Chicago Bulls announcer Tommy Edwards, and calls out the UND roster to "Rock 'n' Roll Part II," while a laser show takes place on the ice. Oh, yeah, UND has ice cheerleaders who stand at center ice with pom-poms, while the players partake in their pregame warm-ups. Plain and simple, this is not your average college hockey arena.

The National Anthem was delivered by someone who I determined to be Nick Carter's plump older brother. The UND student section replaces "home of the brave" with "home of the SIOUX!" Very disrespectful and not cool at all.

UND's first power play came about five minutes into a scoreless game. Following the questionable call, Herb Brooks' "our time" speech from "Miracle" is played on the jumbo-tron. Are you kidding me? "Miracle" in the first period? "Miracle" clips can only be played in the third period or overtime. Man Law.

7:30 p.m. Game begins

A highly competitive first period took a back seat to the intermission entertainment, Buffalo Wild Wings' Sling Shot Bowling. The good people at the Ralph attach a sling shot spanning the width of the rink before firing a sled-riding Sioux fan dressed in a chicken suit toward 10 massive bowling pins. Everyone loves the little Badgers at the Kohl Center, but this was just awesome.

A three-goal second period proves to be the difference as the Badgers hold off a late third period push by UND for a 4-3 win.

Shockingly, North Dakota has no nightlife, so I enjoy an episode of FSN's "Final Score" (sports center for real sports fans) and head to bed.

1:00 p.m. Wisconsin vs. Marquette

After an amazing 12-hour sleep, Brenner and I head to Suite 49 Bar and Grill to watch the game. The high-class restaurant was painted Badger red, much to the chagrin of the lone Sioux fan.

I overhear the bearded Badger fan behind me. "What, no cheese curds? Are you freaking kidding me?"

It was a good overall performance by Ryan's squad, but for me, the most entertaining part of the game was the stat that showed how the in-state battle set a basketball attendance record for the state of Wisconsin. Gotta love those Milwaukee Bucks.

6:00 p.m. Arrive at Ralph Engelstad Arena for Game 2

Before entering the arena, we come across a parking attendant who informs us that in the old days, Sioux fans would throw dead badgers onto the ice when Wisconsin came to town. He probably isn't the most reliable of sources, but I really want to believe that.

7:00 p.m. Game begins

Midway through the first period, a marriage proposal takes place on the jumbo-tron. The lady, of course, said yes, but judging by her facial expressions, it doesn't look like the Sioux couple is destined for a happy marriage. That is, of course, if she doesn't tell him "I just said yes not to embarrass you in front of 12,000 people," when they get home. You have got to be the biggest moron to propose at a sporting event. Why don't you just get your fiancé a hockey puck instead of an engagement ring?

Jake Dowell scores the game-tying goal 13:07 into the first period on a shot from the top of the circle. That's two goals from Dowell that weren't rebounds in two games. To quote a former Packers coach who knew a thing or two about football, "What the hell's going on out here?"

The first intermission signals the return of sling-shot bowling. I'm so excited at this point my anticipation can only be compared to the Brewers' sausage race at Miller Park. This time around, the emcee finished the competition by saying, "Incredible! Just like the deals at Buffalo Wild Wings!" Real smooth, buddy.

In the third period, the Badgers score three goals in a period for the second straight night, in a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory. I am the only one in the arena who does not throw my complimentary glow-stick on the ice.

11:00 p.m. Post game meal

After writing my sidebar story, Brenner and I head to Taco John's for some late night food. In one weekend I have eaten Arby's, Subway, Little Caesars, fish fry, cheese curds and Taco John's. Can you say man boobs?

7:48 a.m. Drive home

We pack up the car and prepare for the journey home as Brenner feels the wrath of my late night Taco John's. An uneventful drive turns into a joyous occasion when I find out the Giants are manhandling the Panthers. I decided I'm not watching Giants' games until next season. The G-Men are 6-6 when I watch and 1-0 when I don't. You do the math.

Coincidently, as we cross into Madison, "Truckin'" by the Grateful Dead comes on the radio. I turn it up just in time for the best part: "Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been." I could not have said it any better myself, Mr. Garcia.

Well folks, that's all I got. Thanks for reading the Herald over the past semester, and please continue to do so. It has truly been a pleasure presenting my take on anything from Tiki Barber to female athletes, but come January I'll be headed to the Land Down Under for what will surely be an academically grueling semester in Sydney, Australia.

My apologizes to all New York, ESPN, Bud Selig, Brett Favre, Yankees and A-Rod haters who had to put up with my "East Coast bias" all semester, but hopefully I gave you all a unique perspective on the sporting world.

Cheers, mate, and drink a Foster's for me.

Advertisements
Leave a Comment
Donate to The Badger Herald

Your donation will support the student journalists of University of Wisconsin-Madison. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
Donate to The Badger Herald

Comments (0)

All The Badger Herald Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *