Not a good way to make a home debut for a new professionsal sports team

**ZeoBandit** · 11.04.06, 12:37 PM

Hounds debut at Sears Centre melts away
Irate fans throw pucks near commish

BY SCOTT J. POWERS
Daily Herald Correspondent
Posted Saturday, November 04, 2006

The Chicago Hounds had hoped their Sears Centre debut would be an unforgettable evening for area hockey fans.

It was.

Just not for the reasons the Hounds had envisioned.

Two hours after the scheduled game time Friday night in Hoffman Estates, United Hockey League commissioner Richard Brosal announced the Hounds' home opener was canceled due to unsafe ice conditions.

Instead of the cheers the Hounds had anticipated for their first-ever home game, the remaining fans filled the Sears Centre with an echo of boos. As Brosal spoke on the ice just after 9:30 p.m., some fans even chucked pucks in his direction.

"The first impression is everything," Brosal later said. "The first impression here is horrible. Hopefully the media will spin this and fans will understand it's not the team's fault. If the fans stay away, they're only hurting the team."

For some fans, the first impression was hard to swallow.

"This is a joke," Karl Figielski said. "If this continues, I'm not coming back. I'll just keep my season package with the (Chicago) Wolves. At least they're organized."

The problem the Hounds encountered Friday was trying to solidify center ice. According to Hounds coach Greg Puhalski, the ice temperature was turned up in attempt to do so. While the plan did improve the center circle, it ended up ruining the rest of the surface.

Following a 10-minute warmup, the Hounds told Puhalski the ice wasn't playable as they could feel the cement underneath them.

"Trust me, the commissioner didn't want to say those words," Puhalski said. "That's a bitter pill to swallow. I'm making a plea for all fans to give us a second chance. We'll make them proud."

Pam Newford had brought her 4- and 6-year-old daughters to the Sears Centre for their first hockey game. Newford said she would return to see the Hounds, but she was aggravated no one announced sooner what was happening.

Fans weren't let past the ticket gates until 6:50 p.m. While the upper level was opened for seating once people were allowed in, the lower level was closed off for another 45 minutes. The first public address announcement wasn't given until after 9 p.m.

"It would have been nice for them to tell us something so we didn't have to sit around for two hours," Newford said. "If was poor planning on their part. I think I will be back. If happens again, I won't be."

Steve Kalter, who had brought his son from Crystal Lake, said, "We're bummed because we wanted to see the game. I understand they had no control. It's disappointing. We'll try to see a later game in the season."

A lot of fans were frustrated but said they would return. It helped that the Hounds offered a voucher for parking, a future game and food.

Hounds president Brett Vickers understood the public relations nightmare that had occurred.

"Obviously you're worried about how something as negative as canceling a game will affect the community," Vickers said. "Hopefully people in the community understand it's a new organization and the building has only been open for 10 days. It's not an excuse. If the community gives us another chance, we'll make good on it."

The Hounds are scheduled to play the Bloomington Prairie Thunder tonight at the Sears Centre.