Part 1: sports Articles

This article is from a month ago, but still....

Why do Manitobans love the Moose? “It brought the city together,” said fan, Chris Managh, 24.  Managh and three friends attend the AHL Manitoba Moose games regularly.

The four fans started attending the Moose games last year during the playoffs.  “The playoffs got interesting,” said Cody Joseph, 22.  The Manitoba Moose made it to the 2009 playoffs for the Calder Cup championship, they were finalists in the game against the Hershey Bears, but lost.

“The biggest thing about the Moose is that it unites the city (of Winnipeg).  You can sit next to a stranger and high five them and not even know who they are,” said Managh at last night’s game at the MTS Centre against the Worcester Sharks.

But high-fiving with fellow Moose fans isn’t the highlight of their hockey experience.  “You gotta heckle, it’s part of the game,” said Managh who sported a Manitoba Moose jersey outfit complete with the matching toque. Managh’s friend agreed, “Ragging on those visiting fans is a lot of fun too,” said Joseph. 

Joseph went on to explain that when the Manitoba Moose play against the Hamilton Bulldogs, opposing fans usually crowd the arena.  “You just bug ‘em when a goal is scored, tell them they suck,” explained Managh, who admitted that he has already been to 13 of the home games at the MTS Centre.

All four men play hockey for recreation beer leagues.  Both Managh and Joseph have been involved in hockey for a long time.  “I have a Teemu Selanne jersey, but I haven’t worn it in about a year,” said the now minor league hockey fan, Joseph, who also sported his Manitoba Moose jersey.

Managh reported that most Winnipeg NHL fans don’t like the AHL team, the Manitoba Moose because, “our team is built up of has beens.” But Joseph retorted, “the Jets are in the past, move on people.”

Both Managh and Joseph expected that the Moose will have taken the game last night, not just for the sake of winning but for current goalie, Cory Schneider who will soon be leaving the Manitoba Moose as part of a trade deal.

“They’re on a streak right now, they’re gonna win one for Schneider before he takes off,” said Managh.  Joseph was a bit more optimistic on the idea of a new goalie, “the goalie they are trading for is definitely better for the team.”

The Manitoba Moose ended the night with a victory of 3-1 over the Worcester Sharks.  According to the Winnipeg Sun, the trade deadline for Cory Schneider is set for today at 2 p.m.

Tomorrow, will post a Bomber story

:)