Standing room only


By
April 18, 2018

I am not a press box guy. It has nothing to do with heights (well, maybe a little) or disliking someone who sits in media row. It’s just that I would rather stand among the fans to watch a Greyhound game, walk around the rink, take in the atmosphere and listen to the various comments of the passionate hockey souls of Sault Ste. Marie.

Thus, rather than take up a seat in the press box, I use my Greyhound media pass to get into the rink and stand wherever there is a good vantage point, of which there are many.

I also like to have a beer when watching hockey. So, standing down below (near the beer vendor) rather than sitting up in the press box does play into my occasional thirst.

It is the interaction with the fans that truly adds to the job (for lack of a better word) of watching the Greyhounds in action against whoever their Ontario Hockey League opponent happens to be.

To be sure, some of the comments from some fans aren’t fit for a family newspaper or a tidy website. And some of them give good reason for one to shake one’s head.

Still, freedom of speech is clearly evident when mingling with the hearty fans of Sault Ste. Marie.

There are always a few who feel the need to stop me and question me about something that I have written. Usually, though, they are the same people who question the strategy of the coach and the effort of certain players.

It goes with the territory.

Just as some fans think they can write a better story than I can, they also feel they know more about coaching than Drew Bannister and that it is okay to criticize and curse a teenage hockey player.

But those are just some fans.

As I have the right to write, for example, they have the right to read and offer their opinion, even if unsolicited. And I always make a point of thanking them for reading, whether they like what I have written or not.

Then there are fans who are in the priceless category. Like my long-time friend and long-long-time Greyhound fan, Chris Sierzputowski.

Many Greyhound fans know who Chris is.

He is the almost-60-year-old man/boy who wears a Greyhound jersey and goalie mask to the games and waves a red Greyhound flag from where he sits. (That is Chris in photo above, in his Greyhound attire, waving the flag.)

I love the guy. I love his passion and knowledge of everything Greyhounds and OHL. And the fact that he has kept every single story that I have ever written about the Greyhounds over so many years only makes me love him that much more. Ha!

The guy is an absolute Greyhound treasure. His boyish enthusiasm and his steadfast devotion and dedication to the Greyhounds is something to behold, admire and respect.

Another fun fan, one who I have stood beside for a few games during the current playoffs, is Alan Amaroso, who many of his friends refer to as “Leroy.” (I am not sure why. I never asked him.)

A warm-hearted, downright funny guy, I have known who “Leroy” is since I was in high school at Sir James Dunn and he was already in the work force and well known as a pool hall champion at the old Esquire Billiards, which was next to where Muio’s Restaurant is still located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.

Any way, as aforementioned super fan Chris Sierzputowski makes going to Greyhound games and standing and walking around worthwhile, so too does erstwhile pool shark “Leroy” Amaroso, with his wit and friendly demeanour.

And yes, having a cold beer while on assignment is also a nice perk of the “job.”

My mumma wanted me to be a librarian or an English teacher. But I would have had to retire by now.

And who would want to retire from watching hockey and having a beer at the same time?

Not me, mumma.

Never Dunn, baby.


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