Florida hockey classic (Estero) FAQ

We've been a couple times to the Florida Classic, nee Everblades Classic. It's great. I see a couple questions pop up year after year. Feel free to add other FAQ stuff as needed.

Q: What is it? When? Where? Who?
A: Four-team college holiday hockey tournament. Cornell always plays because Craig Brush '70 is a key exec at the facility and put the event together.
A: Friday Dec. 29 and Saturday Dec. 30 games at 4 and 7:35 (approx)
A: Germain Arena (formerly TECO Arena), Estero, Florida, on the west coast, about as far south as Miami. [www.germainarena.com] 239-948-7825 x1000
A: Maine and Western Michigan; Cornell and New Hampshire. Those are the afternoon and evening pairings for day one.

Q: Where do I fly into? Can I drive?
A: Fort Myers, Fla. which is RSW
A: Ithaca-Estero is 1400 miles.

Q: Does it sell out?
A: The rink holds 7,000 or so and they list about that many tickets sold in the box score. So far there have always been seats available at the gate. This should especially be the case since many of the game one fans bail out.

Q: Where do I get tickets?
A: From Cornel or the rink or TicketMaster or just walk up and buy.

Q: Is it warm in late December?
A: Not always Caribbean warm / bathing suit warm but virtually always shorts and T-shirt warm

Q: What else to do?
A: Huge shopping mall right at the facility (quarter mile away). Beaches. Drinking. Visit your retired grandparents and see how small a one- or two-bedroom retirement condo can be.

Q: What's nearby?
A: Naples 20 miles south. Nice Ritz-Carlton (if you're an alum)
A: Marco Island 40 mile south
A: Miami 140 miles east across I-75 (Alligator Alley)
A: Fort Myers 15 miles north.
A: Tampa (alternate airport) 150 miles north
A: Orlando / Disney World 200 miles northeast

Q: Can I stay home and watch on TV?
A: Last couple years, yes. Apparently not this year. It's not listed. When it has been on TV, both first games are televised plus the championship but not the consolation.

Q: Can I fly cheap?
A: Probably not but if you want to try, consider flying down on Christmas day. That part, tickets are pretty available. Getting back (cheaply) may be tougher.

Q: Will Cornell win?
A: Cornell's record is better in odd years and its two titles were 2005 and 2003. This is 2006.

Q: Lot of Cornellians there?
A: A couple hundred. It's a big event for the Florida Cornell Club. Plus some player parents. (I mean, if you're in Alberta and want to see your kid play twice, would you choose Ithaca-Ithaca, or Florida-Ithaca?)

Q: Is this cool for the players or what?
A: They may get to go home for Christmas for a day or two but if they do, they often wind up flying back on Christmas Day or the day after, and there are no non-stops Vancouver-to-Fort Myers. They get like one day at the beach after the tournament before heading north.

What is Florida?

French Rage
What is Florida?

Ask Gore.

You should also mention the sports bar inside the arena as an option for pregame lunch but note that the tables with a view of the ice are reserved for season table-ticket holders during the game. And the proximity of Bonita Springs (Beach?) as a place to stay. Sorry for not phrasing my answers in the form of a question.

billhoward
Q: Is this cool for the players or what?
A: They may get to go home for Christmas for a day or two but if they do, they often wind up flying back on Christmas Day or the day after, and there are no non-stops Vancouver-to-Fort Myers. They get like one day at the beach after the tournament before heading north.

A few families just have Christmas in Florida.

billhoward
Q: What else to do?
A: Huge shopping mall right at the facility (quarter mile away). Beaches. Drinking. Visit your retired grandparents and see how small a one- or two-bedroom retirement condo can be.

There's also a surfeit of high quality golf courses in the area. I do an "8 rounds in 4 days" trip there every year a couple weeks after the tournament. It can be very cold for a 8AM tee time, but almost always warms up before midday.


For people flying themselves I've used both Marco Island and FMY and both are nice. I generally use FMY because it's towered and the rental car prices tend to be cheaper. No tie down fees if you buy fuel and there's self serve if you want to save some money.

If you have time on the way down stop at Venice airport about 50 miles up the coast. There's a nice beach walking distance from the airport (< 1 mile) with a good seafood restaurant. We stop there for lunch every year on the way down.


Also nearby are Sanibel and Captiva Islands for some of the best sea shell beaches in the world. The public lots for the beaches charge by the hour but it's some reasonable amount (a buck or two an hour if I remember correctly).

The Henry Ford & Thomas Edison winter estates are right in Fort Myers and are fun to visit.

The Seminoles have a casino nearby, but I think it's just slots and poker. We could really use a destination casino in Florida.

To add a bit to what Bill said...

billhoward
Q: Where do I fly into? Can I drive?
A: Fort Myers, Fla. which is RSW
A: Ithaca-Estero is 1400 miles.

You might find more affordable flights if you consider flying to Tampa or Orlando instead.

Q: Does it sell out?
A: The rink holds 7,000 or so and they list about that many tickets sold in the box score. So far there have always been seats available at the gate. This should especially be the case since many of the game one fans bail out.

The games are never close to full. If I'm not mistaken it's part of the Everblades' season ticket package, but not all of the fans show up. You'll be able to sit pretty much wherever you want.

Q: Is it warm in late December?
A: Not always Caribbean warm / bathing suit warm but virtually always shorts and T-shirt warm

I disagree with this. You will be cold inside the rink if you're wearing shorts. TECO Arena isn't Princeton cold, but it's not warm.

The two days of college hockey are part of the Everblades season package but I believe for these games the season ticket holders get relocated to a ring of seats at the very top of the facility and if my recall is correct they don't steal any of the 7,000 individual (un-Lynah-like) seats.

My recall was the rink was most crowded the year Notre Dame played. There are a lot of ND alums with an urge to travel for sports events and more who've retired down there.

We usually fly into Naples (APF) and will do so this year. Lower fuel prices than RSW and we'll be staying in Naples. 1020nm ITH-APF via Jacksonville (CRG).

If I recall correctly there is a bird sanctuary or some sort of nature preserve not too far from the rink (it's off some sketchy road which I'm sure has inspired some "car breaks down" horror movies). I remember strolling on the boardwalk nature path with my old man and bumping into a few other Cornell fans with high powered cameras.

All in all it's a nice two hour break from the minimall and highway fabric that his been laid over most of the atomobile accessible parts of florida.

billhoward
Craig Brush '70

Craig is '72. He was on that '70 team. Played 4th line center on that squad, although in the NCAAs, he's moved up to 3rd line right wing, with Westner moving up to 2nd line right wing, since Dick Bertrand was ineligible.
P.S. Why can I remember this and have no clue where I left my car keys?

If you're with a spouse or significant other who will have little interest in seeing Maine-W. Mich., have him/her drop you off at the rink, hand him/her a ticket and send him/her off to the mall for three hours, while you enjoy the first game (unless you also prefer the mall to watching Maine-WMU).

jkahn

billhoward
Craig Brush '70

Craig is '72. He was on that '70 team. Played 4th line center on that squad, although in the NCAAs, he's moved up to 3rd line right wing, with Westner moving up to 2nd line right wing, since Dick Bertrand was ineligible.
P.S. Why can I remember this and have no clue where I left my car keys?

Your keys are a healthy scratch.

Josh '99

Q: Is it warm in late December?
A: Not always Caribbean warm / bathing suit warm but virtually always shorts and T-shirt warm

I disagree with this. You will be cold inside the rink if you're wearing shorts. TECO Arena isn't Princeton cold, but it's not warm.

A couple of years ago, I wore jeans, t shirt, and flipflops. By the end of the second game each day, I was freezing wearing my fleece jacket and my feet were frozen. Maybe it will be better this year.

Are we doing a roll call yet?

jkahn

billhoward
Craig Brush '70

Craig is '72. He was on that '70 team. Played 4th line center on that squad, although in the NCAAs, he's moved up to 3rd line right wing, with Westner moving up to 2nd line right wing, since Dick Bertrand was ineligible.
P.S. Why can I remember this and have no clue where I left my car keys?

Let's see if the following helps or at least lets you feel better.

I remember Brush from the '71 team. And I misplaced my second set of car keys yesterday and still can't locate them.

judy
A couple of years ago, I wore jeans, t shirt, and flipflops. By the end of the second game each day, I was freezing wearing my fleece jacket and my feet were frozen. Maybe it will be better this year.

Are we doing a roll call yet?

I seem to remember it typically being pretty warm until last year, when I froze in shorts. Maybe we'll wait for the roll call until after the RPI/Onion weekend?

ebilmes

judy
A couple of years ago, I wore jeans, t shirt, and flipflops. By the end of the second game each day, I was freezing wearing my fleece jacket and my feet were frozen. Maybe it will be better this year.

Are we doing a roll call yet?

I seem to remember it typically being pretty warm until last year, when I froze in shorts. Maybe we'll wait for the roll call until after the RPI/Onion weekend?

Last year I wore a skirt, t-shirt, and flip flops to go to the game, but then threw on jeans once I got to the rink (still just a t-shirt and flip flops though). I was fine like that.

The beaches were a little breezy but still a nice change from Ithaca, and I managed to get a nice tan. The last day we were there was GORGEOUS and warm and beautiful (after the hour long squall in the morning, that is). Wish I could go again this year...

judy
Are we doing a roll call yet?

I'll go if you pay for my plane ticket.

Do you think such a trip could be pulled off without renting a car? Car rental can be prohibitive for us recent 23-year-old graduates.

BCrespi
Do you think such a trip could be pulled off without renting a car? Car rental can be prohibitive for us recent 23-year-old graduates.

It probably could be done. There's an Embassy Suites within walking distance of the arena and the outlet mall, probably not more than a half mile away, and there are places to eat around there as well. You can get a cab from the airport to the hotel - not cheap, but less expensive than renting a car. You'd basically be limited to the hotel, the rink, and the area immediately around the outlet mall, but for a couple of days I guess that's not such a big deal.

You might have already done it, but I'd check with some off-airport Enterprise locations. In the past, I've found those the most reasonable (both in either not having an under-25 policy or having a reasonable fee) for renting cars "under age."

Or, if said 23-year-old graduate works for a company with a corporate rental agreement or code, renting under that code may eliminate the age restriction.

BCrespi
Do you think such a trip could be pulled off without renting a car? Car rental can be prohibitive for us recent 23-year-old graduates.

I'll be down there for Christmas and my parents live ~ 15 minutes from the airport. If you find you are in need of transportation from RSW airport to a hotel in the south Ft. Myers/Estero area, let me know.

Jordan 04
Or, if said 23-year-old graduate works for a company with a corporate rental agreement or code, renting under that code may eliminate the age restriction.

If you do a quick google search for rental codes, you'll find a gajillion that will save you a lot of money. Sometimes they check that you're actually affiliated with the company, but it hasn't happened to any f my friends so far.

Here's a good list: [www.betterbidding.com]

See the post about the national business fraternity, which removes the age restriction and is probably hard to check for (they don't ID for business fraternities, right? Secret handshakes?)

Jordan 04
You might have already done it, but I'd check with some off-airport Enterprise locations. In the past, I've found those the most reasonable (both in either not having an under-25 policy or having a reasonable fee) for renting cars "under age."

Or, if said 23-year-old graduate works for a company with a corporate rental agreement or code, renting under that code may eliminate the age restriction.

Other ways around the 25 year-old price bump...

1. Call your (or your parents' if you're still on their policy) insurance company customer service line. Hang up, and keep calling until you get someone pleasant and helpful. Ask first about their coverage for auto rental, then steer them towards specific state deals (they need a lot of help finding this information). Certain rental companies have certain deals with certain insurance companies for certain states that allow those <25 to rent at a reduced rate.

2. If that doesn't work, check out the membership benefits for every organization you've ever joined, especially if you've joined a professionals organization/guild/union. They often have hotel and rental car deals, and the discounts sometimes bypass the <25 price bump. Make sure to call the designated phone number at the rental company for your specific organization.

3. Same as #2, but with any credit card that offers some rewards program. They often have deals with specific rental car companies, and these can also bypass the under-25 rule.

4. Same as #2 and #3, but with any frequent hotel program to which you belong.

5. Follow the pattern.

Option #6. Plan on attending the Estero tournament in 2009.

BCrespi
Do you think such a trip could be pulled off without renting a car? Car rental can be prohibitive for us recent 23-year-old graduates.

It would be difficult. Do-able if you went airport-to-hotel on a Super Shuttle, got a cab or friendly Cornell to take you to the rink, then a ride or cab back.

It is tough being an under-25 renter.

If you work for a Fortune 500 kind of company, sometimes they cut deals with Hertz/Avis to let all employees rent (and be covered) regardless of age, figuring how much damage can a couple accidents by 22-year-olds do to GE's earnings that can't be done by a 45-year-old who's had a couple drikns too many.

If you can get a cheap enough flight, it's a pretty decent vacation. It's a lot better vacation if Cornell plays the late game both days.

Thanks everybody for all of the suggestions. Turns out the trip isn't working out anyway, due to several circumstances. Hopefully we'll get down there next year! Thanks again for your thoughts, esp. Rita's generous offer. You'll all have to yell enough for me, b/c we need a great effort down there! LGR

BCrespi
Hopefully we'll get down there next year!

I tell myself that every year, and every year I find myself unable to go. Argh.

KeithK
Option #6. Plan on attending the Estero tournament in 2009.

Option #7: meet me and Judy in Tampa. I call shotgun.

Just did some ticket checking:

I avoid TicketMaster on general principle, but just for laughs, they have a $3.50/ticket convenience fee. For two people, two days - that's 4 tickets, or $14.

Cornell sells the $16 tickets, one $3 per order shipping charge.

Germain arena doesn't sell them over the phone, but there are no charges or fees if you buy them in person at the box office.

So I guess for $3 you can guarantee Cornell section, not that you probably cant just sit there anyway from everything I've heard.

Q: Who is starting the push to get them to finally play "Davy" after goals this year? Seriously, it's about time...

Rob NH
Q: Who is starting the push to get them to finally play "Davy" after goals this year? Seriously, it's about time...

Won't we have a mini pep band there to play Davy? If not, then we definitely need to make sure Dacy is played.

ebilmes

Rob NH
Q: Who is starting the push to get them to finally play "Davy" after goals this year? Seriously, it's about time...

Won't we have a mini pep band there to play Davy? If not, then we definitely need to make sure Dacy is played.

Dacy, Dacy... give me your answer, do
I'm half cracy, all for the love of you.
One! Two! Three!
We want more!!

ebilmes

Rob NH
Q: Who is starting the push to get them to finally play "Davy" after goals this year? Seriously, it's about time...

Won't we have a mini pep band there to play Davy? If not, then we definitely need to make sure Dacy is played.

Um, unless I hear otherwise, the mini-pep band will consist of solely me if it's the will of the people...

ebilmes

Rob NH
Q: Who is starting the push to get them to finally play "Davy" after goals this year? Seriously, it's about time...

Won't we have a mini pep band there to play Davy? If not, then we definitely need to make sure Dacy is played.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but in years past I believe they've relied on the DJ to play goal songs, and he tends to play the "C-O-R-N-E double L" tune instead of "Davy". I believe someone ended up posting his email address on the board last year and despite numerous reminders he still didn't get it right (may have even been a Cornell grad if my memory serves me correct, which makes it all the more embarrassing).

Rob NH
Correct me if I'm wrong, but in years past I believe they've relied on the DJ to play goal songs, and he tends to play the "C-O-R-N-E double L" tune instead of "Davy". I believe someone ended up posting his email address on the board last year and despite numerous reminders he still didn't get it right (may have even been a Cornell grad if my memory serves me correct, which makes it all the more embarrassing).

Yeah, the DJ plays "C-O-R-N-E double L," which was always surprising because the tournament director is a Cornell alum. However, when we had the instruments last year, they played Davy. I did not know whether we would have any pep band representatives this year or would have to rely on the DJ again.

Section A Banshee
Um, unless I hear otherwise, the mini-pep band will consist of solely me if it's the will of the people...

Lau-ren! Lau-ren! Lau-ren!

ebilmes
Yeah, the DJ plays "C-O-R-N-E double L," which was always surprising because the tournament director is a Cornell alum.

As in year's past I will come to the defense of the FL tourney not playing Davy. First off, the "...double L" song is the new fight song for Cornell, so its at least a reasonable choice. Second, in an environment where there is a likelihood of higher than usual non-Cornell, non-college hockey spectator attendance, you avoid a lot of folks scratching their heads wondering why Give My Regards to Broadway is being played. Lastly and least importantly, the New Cornell Fight Song is my favorite of the Cornell songs so the more playings the better, but I admit that seems to put me in the distinct minority.

JasonN95

ebilmes
Yeah, the DJ plays "C-O-R-N-E double L," which was always surprising because the tournament director is a Cornell alum.

As in year's past I will come to the defense of the FL tourney not playing Davy. First off, the "...double L" song is the new fight song for Cornell, so its at least a reasonable choice. Second, in an environment where there is a likelihood of higher than usual non-Cornell, non-college hockey spectator attendance, you avoid a lot of folks scratching their heads wondering why Give My Regards to Broadway is being played. Lastly and least importantly, the New Cornell Fight Song is my favorite of the Cornell songs so the more playings the better, but I admit that seems to put me in the distinct minority.

Look, it may be called "New Cornell Fight Song" but it dates from the 70s or 80s, and obviously didn't replace "Davy". Plus we've been trying for years to tell someone that "Davy" is the actual fight song.

JasonN95

ebilmes
Yeah, the DJ plays "C-O-R-N-E double L," which was always surprising because the tournament director is a Cornell alum.

As in year's past I will come to the defense of the FL tourney not playing Davy. First off, the "...double L" song is the new fight song for Cornell, so its at least a reasonable choice. Second, in an environment where there is a likelihood of higher than usual non-Cornell, non-college hockey spectator attendance, you avoid a lot of folks scratching their heads wondering why Give My Regards to Broadway is being played. Lastly and least importantly, the New Cornell Fight Song is my favorite of the Cornell songs so the more playings the better, but I admit that seems to put me in the distinct minority.

The problem is the post-goal celebration just isn't the same after "C-O-R-N-E double L" as "Davy", as the sieve chant/IAYF is set to the tempo of Davy.

ebilmes

Rob NH
Q: Who is starting the push to get them to finally play "Davy" after goals this year? Seriously, it's about time...

Won't we have a mini pep band there to play Davy? If not, then we definitely need to make sure Dacy is played.

"Dacy's Mom has got it goin on..."

Please - I don't wanna lose BOTH the Nasty Bear AND Davy...

jtwcornell91

Look, it may be called "New Cornell Fight Song" but it dates from the 70s or 80s, and obviously didn't replace "Davy". Plus we've been trying for years to tell someone that "Davy" is the actual fight song.

Making it even less relevant to hockey, NCFS is now the official victory song of cornell football. Sorry, "Cornell Victorious."

"lose the point that woulda beat the spread..."

Chris '03

jtwcornell91

Look, it may be called "New Cornell Fight Song" but it dates from the 70s or 80s, and obviously didn't replace "Davy". Plus we've been trying for years to tell someone that "Davy" is the actual fight song.

Making it even less relevant to hockey, NCFS is now the official victory song of cornell football. Sorry, "Cornell Victorious."

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

jtwcornell91

Chris '03

jtwcornell91

Look, it may be called "New Cornell Fight Song" but it dates from the 70s or 80s, and obviously didn't replace "Davy". Plus we've been trying for years to tell someone that "Davy" is the actual fight song.

Making it even less relevant to hockey, NCFS is now the official victory song of cornell football. Sorry, "Cornell Victorious."

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Are you protesting the change, or the fact that he dared utter the phrase "Cornell Victorious"?

It's true, though. The change came at the behest of the new football coach. I guess he took the superstition a little too far...

How is it a problem for superstition if you play "Cornell Victorious" only after you win?!

Beeeej
How is it a problem for superstition if you play "Cornell Victorious" only after you win?!

Well, I assume that the players have to learn it and practice singing it before any games are played. Maybe all that repetition before the season creates a vortex of a "super-jinx" that lasts for several months. Now we know why the football title hasn't visited Ithaca since 1990.

Regardless, you can count on a handful of fuddy-duddies like myself to continue to sing/whistle "Cornell Victorious."

I am thinking (very last minute) about going, especially after having such a phenomenal time last year. I found some great deals on airfare, but I'd be staying with a friend in Sarasota, which is I believe about an hour from Estero. I'm 21, so I read the instructions above about how to maybe find deals on rentals, but if not, is anyone going from Sarasota/Bradenton area to the games and could give my friend and I a ride?

You should know this better than over-25 drivers, but lots of areas do have rentals for drivers under 25. You just have to look around. At LAX a couple weeks ago, there were three places side by side (not Hertz or Avis, but locals) with window signs "Under 25 OK" -- but it didn't say at what price. Good luck.

How are the first round matchups decided each year? I know they're figured out far in advance, but is this just left to the discretion of the tournament director? It would seem logical that UNH and Maine not play each other in the first round, but is the rest decided by coin toss?

Beeeej
How is it a problem for superstition if you play "Cornell Victorious" only after you win?!

The superstition Banshee is talking about relates to saying the name of the song, not to playing/singing it. (If I'm not mistaken, anyway.)

Josh '99

Beeeej
How is it a problem for superstition if you play "Cornell Victorious" only after you win?!

The superstition Banshee is talking about relates to saying the name of the song, not to playing/singing it. (If I'm not mistaken, anyway.)

Oh, okay. I must have been drinking too much the day Flip taught that.

The two perpetual host schools seem to alternate playing the apparently weaker team, such as Western Michigan this year for Maine, Northeastern last year for Cornell (instead of then teddy bear-less Minnesota-Duluth); or Notre Dame (instead of Ohio State) for Cornell in 2003. The two times Cornell won, 2005 and 2003, it got the lower-rated opponent in the opening game.

billhoward
The two perpetual host schools seem to alternate playing the apparently weaker team, such as Western Michigan this year for Maine, Northeastern last year for Cornell (instead of then teddy bear-less Minnesota-Duluth); or Notre Dame (instead of Ohio State) for Cornell in 2003. The two times Cornell won, 2005 and 2003, it got the lower-rated opponent in the opening game.

Thanks; the explanation seems to make sense. However, I think we played Notre Dame and won in '04, not '03.

ebilmes

billhoward
The two perpetual host schools seem to alternate playing the apparently weaker team, such as Western Michigan this year for Maine, Northeastern last year for Cornell (instead of then teddy bear-less Minnesota-Duluth); or Notre Dame (instead of Ohio State) for Cornell in 2003. The two times Cornell won, 2005 and 2003, it got the lower-rated opponent in the opening game.

Thanks; the explanation seems to make sense. However, I think we played Notre Dame and won in '04, not '03.

No, it was December 2003.
[www.uscho.com]

nyc94

ebilmes

billhoward
The two perpetual host schools seem to alternate playing the apparently weaker team, such as Western Michigan this year for Maine, Northeastern last year for Cornell (instead of then teddy bear-less Minnesota-Duluth); or Notre Dame (instead of Ohio State) for Cornell in 2003. The two times Cornell won, 2005 and 2003, it got the lower-rated opponent in the opening game.

Thanks; the explanation seems to make sense. However, I think we played Notre Dame and won in '04, not '03.

No, it was December 2003.
[www.uscho.com]

ebilmes may be using the traditional method of referring to the season in which it took place by the calendar year in which the season ended, hence the confusion. With tourneys, though, we tend to refer to them by their calendar years - see the eLF sidebar indicating 2003 and 2005 titles.

Josh '99

Beeeej
How is it a problem for superstition if you play "Cornell Victorious" only after you win?!

The superstition Banshee is talking about relates to saying the name of the song, not to playing/singing it. (If I'm not mistaken, anyway.)

It's not as if the whole "Call it number 3" bit helped win any football games. It just confused people. "Wait we play number 3 when they win? Isn't that just a twenty second cheer? Do they mean 3 long or 3 short?"

I think Cornell Victorious (sorry, number 3... there I go again jinxing the team) should still be played in some fashion, be it the ironic anthem of losing or something else. Of course the lax team is without a victory song... speaking of which, is "Celebration" still the official (crappy) victory song of CU Hoops?

Beeeej

nyc94

ebilmes

billhoward
The two perpetual host schools seem to alternate playing the apparently weaker team, such as Western Michigan this year for Maine, Northeastern last year for Cornell (instead of then teddy bear-less Minnesota-Duluth); or Notre Dame (instead of Ohio State) for Cornell in 2003. The two times Cornell won, 2005 and 2003, it got the lower-rated opponent in the opening game.

Thanks; the explanation seems to make sense. However, I think we played Notre Dame and won in '04, not '03.

No, it was December 2003.
[www.uscho.com]

ebilmes may be using the traditional method of referring to the season in which it took place by the calendar year in which the season ended, hence the confusion. With tourneys, though, we tend to refer to them by their calendar years - see the eLF sidebar indicating 2003 and 2005 titles.

Yeah, I guess we were both referring to the same tournament; I do think of the seasons in terms of the years in which they end. (i.e. "The 2004 season never happened, with the exception of the Florida tournament." Bill is correct.

Chris '03

Josh '99

Beeeej
How is it a problem for superstition if you play "Cornell Victorious" only after you win?!

The superstition Banshee is talking about relates to saying the name of the song, not to playing/singing it. (If I'm not mistaken, anyway.)

It's not as if the whole "Call it number 3" bit helped win any football games. It just confused people. "Wait we play number 3 when they win? Isn't that just a twenty second cheer? Do they mean 3 long or 3 short?"

I think Cornell Victorious (sorry, number 3... there I go again jinxing the team) should still be played in some fashion, be it the ironic anthem of losing or something else. Of course the lax team is without a victory song... speaking of which, is "Celebration" still the official (crappy) victory song of CU Hoops?

I'm not saying I *agree* with it, I'm just saying I think that's what the superstition is.

Because I know people around here love to stuff the ballot box for random online polls, the Everblades website is polling on who will win the tournament. With 144 votes cast, Maine leads followed by western, cornell, and new hampshire.

About halfway down on the right: [www.floridaeverblades.com]

As if there weren't enough traffic in South Fort Myers....

Two new mall areas have opened, one on Alico Road about 2 miles away from the rink (Gulf Town Mall) and the other, south of Corkscrew Road, off of 41 (Coconut Point Mall.. or something like that). In the first one there is a movie theater, but be warned, matinee's cost $6.50 for a kid, $7.50 for an adult!

The other mall has several new dining options including a tapas bar, a California Pizza restaurant, and for those of you with money to spare, Ruth Chris Steakhouse.

Rita
In the first one there is a movie theater, but be warned, matinee's cost $6.50 for a kid, $7.50 for an adult!

Wow, I will DEFINITELY plan on doing my movie going while I'm down there. That's a lot cheaper than home (Albany) or Ithaca!

las224

Rita
In the first one there is a movie theater, but be warned, matinee's cost $6.50 for a kid, $7.50 for an adult!

Wow, I will DEFINITELY plan on doing my movie going while I'm down there. That's a lot cheaper than home (Albany) or Ithaca!

Yikes! $7.50 is cheap?! I guess I would have a better idea of movie prices if I didn't spend Friday and Saturday nights posting "scores from other games".

I took my little sister to see a matinee of Charlotte's Web on Monday. One student discount plus one 3 year old came to a total of $17.50.

las224

Rita
In the first one there is a movie theater, but be warned, matinee's cost $6.50 for a kid, $7.50 for an adult!

Wow, I will DEFINITELY plan on doing my movie going while I'm down there. That's a lot cheaper than home (Albany) or Ithaca!

I guess I'm not the only one who wondered, "Is she warning people that the theater will be overrun by parents and their kids because of the cheap tickets?"

UNH starting goaltender Kevin Regan is featured in Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' this week.

Avash '05
UNH starting goaltender Kevin Regan is featured in Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' this week.

Let's Go SI Jinx!

Rita
Yikes! $7.50 is cheap?! I guess I would have a better idea of movie prices if I didn't spend Friday and Saturday nights posting "scores from other games".

$1 movies in Portland, Oregon and they serve local microbrews.

(Looks out window at no-neck guys patrolling DC with Uzis)

Why did I leave, again?

Avash '05
UNH starting goaltender Kevin Regan is featured in Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' this week.

The freshman goalie, Foster, hasn't given up a goal in 126 minutes of play. Any chance he'd get some action down in Florida?

ebilmes

Avash '05
UNH starting goaltender Kevin Regan is featured in Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' this week.

The freshman goalie, Foster, hasn't given up a goal in 126 minutes of play. Any chance he'd get some action down in Florida?

Maybe if they play Western Michigan, but I doubt it; of the two games he started, one was against Mass-Lowell (the second night of a home-and-home against a team that has only won one of its last 12), and the other was due to a scheduling anomaly that otherwise would have seen Regan start three times in six days.

If anyone is a runner and is looking for something to do Saturday morning, there's a 5 mile race that sounds fun in Palmetto (about 1.5 hours north of Estero). Supposed to be a huge great brunch after the race, and then you can head back down to the games after that. My friend and I are going to be running in it and it would be fun to have some other Faithful running too Unfortunately, we're staying in Sarasota, so can't offer rides up from Estero in the morning.

Details here: [www.manateeriverrun.com]

ebilmes

Avash '05
UNH starting goaltender Kevin Regan is featured in Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' this week.

The freshman goalie, Foster, hasn't given up a goal in 126 minutes of play. Any chance he'd get some action down in Florida?

If he does, Foster's girlfriend's gonna be pissed.

Trotsky

Rita
Yikes! $7.50 is cheap?! I guess I would have a better idea of movie prices if I didn't spend Friday and Saturday nights posting "scores from other games".

$1 movies in Portland, Oregon and they serve local microbrews.

(Looks out window at no-neck guys patrolling DC with Uzis)

Why did I leave, again?

In Eugene, there were several "$ 1.50" theaters, but unfortunately, they didn't sell beer.

Just think if you were in the NW, it would be grey and rainey and grey. Did I mention how grey it would be right now? After 4 years there, I understood "Seasonal Affective Disorder".

ebilmes

Avash '05
UNH starting goaltender Kevin Regan is featured in Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' this week.

The freshman goalie, Foster, hasn't given up a goal in 126 minutes of play. Any chance he'd get some action down in Florida?

Doubtful, MAYBE if they get WMU the 2nd day. They'll probably have him start one of the Vermont games, maybe Providence, and then one night of the Merrimack series. Regan is still very much their number 1 goalie.

ebilmes

Avash '05
UNH starting goaltender Kevin Regan is featured in Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' this week.

The freshman goalie, Foster, hasn't given up a goal in 126 minutes of play. Any chance he'd get some action down in Florida?

They're probably asking the same question about Scrivens on eWhittemore.

Al DeFlorio

ebilmes

Avash '05
UNH starting goaltender Kevin Regan is featured in Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' this week.

The freshman goalie, Foster, hasn't given up a goal in 126 minutes of play. Any chance he'd get some action down in Florida?

They're probably asking the same question about Scrivens on eWhittemore.

Foster shut out Slu(t) and Lowell. While Scrivens has been solid, giving up 2 goals on 18 shots to Wayne State, making a whole four saves against RPI and shutting out a weak Union team isn't as impressive as what Foster has done.

ebilmes

Al DeFlorio

ebilmes

Avash '05
UNH starting goaltender Kevin Regan is featured in Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' this week.

The freshman goalie, Foster, hasn't given up a goal in 126 minutes of play. Any chance he'd get some action down in Florida?

They're probably asking the same question about Scrivens on eWhittemore.

Foster shut out Slu(t) and Lowell. While Scrivens has been solid, giving up 2 goals on 18 shots to Wayne State, making a whole four saves against RPI and shutting out a weak Union team isn't as impressive as what Foster has done.

Are you always this pedantic? My point was that, to someone who hasn't followed Cornell hockey closely, it might appear that our backup has been impressive, too.

That "weak" Union team, by the way, managed to beat Lowell eleven days ago.

Al DeFlorio
Are you always this pedantic?

No, just when I have lots of free time over break to be on eLynah. Your point was valid.

ebilmes

Al DeFlorio
Are you always this pedantic?

No, just when I have lots of free time over break to be on eLynah. Your point was valid.

I'm cool.

Someone not familiar with Cornell hockey and its season to date could easily be dazzled by Scrivens's 0.87 GAA and .955 save percentage, and wonder why he isn't seeing more action. [And, let me add hastily, I'd love to see him continue posting such numbers.]

Was going through the Germain Arena FAQ and came acrossed this:

"Noise-making Devices: No extraneous noise-making devices are permitted inside the Arena. These items include, but are not limited to: horns, whistles, air horns, cymbals, cow bells, bugles."

Have they ever raised a stink about this before? UHNers have a cowbell cheer, too.

Just bring it in a bag. They don't search those.

In our experience, the Germain/TECO arena staff are laid back and friendly. They didn't have a problem with three brass instruments last year.

Anyway, I didn't think any of the cowbellers were going.

Anyway, I didn't think any of the cowbellers were going.

You were mistaken.

The staff is absolutely friendly and helpful, just like you'd hope for in the service industry. Many are transplanted northerners and if you or somebody in your party is wearing a high school varsity jacket, odds are one of the rink staff will have been from the area and chat you up. And, especially in the second game on the first night, as well as the final when the first-night losers' fans aren't around, they're pretty easygoing about letting you move around to find better seats.

One exception to friendly/easygoing is some of the staff and the local residents who attend are patriotic on their terms of patriotism and bristle at embellishments to the national anthem.

The Western Michigan team has been enjoying itself in Florida:

[www.mlive.com]

The fishing trip had its share of ups and downs -- literally -- but was successful enough to provide dinner on the dock afterwards.

``We had a couple guys get motion sickness, but it was a good day,'' Culhane said via cell phone as the team's chartered boat headed back to the Fort Myers coast.

My mind is already working on ways to tease them about getting seasick...

Liz '05
My mind is already working on ways to tease them about getting seasick...

Given their home locale (although Lake Superior State would be more geographically correct), something along the lines of "Stick to ice fishing" might be appropriate ... though it's not something with incredible clarity for a cheer or a poster.

Not that it matters much, but I was checking the starting time for tomorrow's games and noticed that the first game had been moved from 4 to 4:30. So you don't have to rush off the golf course to catch the beginning of the early game.

Just to update your NW memories the beer pub movies are $3 now. Still good beer though and they didn't increase it's price 200% either. A pretty bleak corner of the US for college hockey, even Florida has better college hockey, at least one weekend a year.