Professional hockey has come to Athens. The area’s newest professional sports team, the Rock Lobsters, hosted their inaugural home game on Friday, Dec. 13. The team plays at the sparkling new Aikens Ford Arena, an add-on to the Classic Center in downtown Athens.
The team name of Rock Lobsters, decided by online vote, is an homage to the B-52s, whose debut single of the same name was released in 1978 when the band was based in Athens.
For hockey fans and novices alike, last weekend’s game was a long-awaited occasion for local pride. The enthusiasm was apparent at a red carpet-event celebrating the opening.
“We could not be more excited to be host of the Rock Lobsters. We know that they’ve been killing it this season already, and now that they have a home venue, we’re going to take it to the next level,” said Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz, who spoke at the event.
Before his address, Girtz spoke with reporters about the economic impact of the new team and venue.
“We are where the community will meet its neighbors for fun and entertainment and live music that we’re known for around the globe. And this place really will, I think, put on steroids what’s already true, which is that people just love to be in Athens and come visit Athens if they don’t have the luxury of living here,” he said.
‘Felt like Christmas’
Rock Lobsters Executive Vice President Scott Hull gave an inside perspective on the players’ excitement ahead of the opening contest.
“We’re beyond excited. The team told me this morning it felt like Christmas to finally play in the brand new arena,” he said.
The team started the season winning nine on an 11-game road trip — a stellar start for any new team.
To close the pre-game event, the team emcee, Nathan Wright, announced the players as, one by one, they entered the arena for the first time. Known professionally as Nateball, Wright is an Athens native and longtime standup comedian. He commented about the fan base in a town not known for hockey.
“How many people showing up making noise? How many people just enjoying hockey in Athens, Georgia, is phenomenal,” he said.
At game time, Athenians filled the rink, happy to see the Rock Lobsters in person. 5,500 fans watched the home team outshoot, outhit, and generally outplay the Mississippi Sea Wolves up and down the rink.
The final score — Rock Lobsters 3, Sea Wolves 2.
Giving fans what they want
Always a big part of ice hockey, the physicality kept the energy high. After the game, head coach Steve Martinson explained the feedback loop of players energizing the fans who in turn, energize the players.
“One thing, I thought we were physical. I thought that helped us with the fans. You know, when the fans make noise the players you know, feel it,” he said. “I know the the best way for teams to win, but I also know what entertains fans. They like to see goals, and they like to see hits, and they don’t mind seeing a couple of fights.”
Coach Martinson is the winningest American-born coach in professional hockey and has won ten minor league championships with four teams.
The Rock Lobsters finished a home-and-away series against the Columbus River Dragons Saturday night Dec. 21 at Akins Ford Arena. The Lobsters defeated the Dragons, 4 to 3.
The Rock Lobsters’ next home game is Friday, Dec. 27. For tickets, visit their website. Games are livestreamed on YouTube.
