Category Archives: Phantoms Hockey

February 24, 2014 · 7:00 am

This Week In Noise Nation – 2/24/2014

It’s a little late but here’s last week’s week in review:

Wow, we were busy. Here’s to another great week in Lehigh Valley sports!

Hockey is Coming! Third and Final @LVPhantoms Preview Game From Philadelphia

A six-hour bus ride.

One quick hockey game.

Another six-hour bus ride arriving home at 5AM.

That’s what our new friends the Section N Hecklers did. A group of about 30 from the Phantoms home in Glens Falls, NY made the trip down to support their team. They already go to all the games. They knew the Phantoms would have support from their nascent home in Philadelphia. The Phantoms provided the tickets as part of their plan, but they had to purchase the transportation. And, endure the bus ride. We were happy to meet up with Matt and Travis from the group, who joined us for some tailgate grub in the parking lot before the game.

Also joining us for the day was an old friend of mine from way back, Jeff. I’ve known him for 27 or so years. He and his wife were season ticket holders for the Phantoms in their first year in Philadelphia in 1996. Ultimately, real life, family, jobs, and a move further to the suburbs got in the way of their season tickets–and by the time they were ready to get back to it, the Spectrum was gone, and with it the Phantoms.

I thought we’d be the only ones crazy enough to tailgate for a minor league hockey game. But I forgot, this is Philadelphia. Soon after we arrived a guy parked across from us in a pickup truck and proceeded to unload a full-sized grill. He soon had a crowd bigger than ours. Yea Hockey!

I thought we’d have plenty of room in the parking lot. But again, Philadelphia. We broke up the party at about 6:45 to head to the arena for the 7:30 start. After the game, we found that the couple extra spaces we had used for our gathering had quickly filled. The parking lot was at capacity. Hockey Town.

Of the live minor-league hockey games I’ve seen over the past three years in Reading, Wilkes-Barre and Philadelphia, this one was the chippiest. The Phantoms came in riding a 7-game losing streak and still suffering from the fight suspensions which cost them a few good players for last night. Perhaps they were feeling a bit frustrated. The visiting Bridgeport Sound Tigers weren’t taking it. Several fights erupted during the game, much to the pleasure of the 17,585 rabid hockey fans in attendance at the Wells Fargo Center.

Ultimately, though, the Phantoms had difficulty generating any good offense. There were a couple nice power shots (slap shots, as it were) which I had noticed as lacking in minor league hockey overall; however, the ability to put the puck on someone’s stick in a position to score was lacking. The Phantoms had 10 power play opportunities–some extended given the fights–and were only successful with one. Add to that, they yielded a short-handed goal which was ultimately the winner. The Phantoms lost 3-2 to drop to 22-27 on the season, fourth place in the North East Division only one point ahead of last-place Hartford.

As for the NoiseNation contingent, we were happy to see some live hockey, and happy to hang with new friends and old. DiPro found himself sitting “on the glass” as it were. I think he may be hooked. We invited him to the club level to join us for the third period, and this is the text I got back: “I ain’t never leaving glass lol.”

There was a jersey auction, but like the old days at the IronPigs, it was clipboards. DiPro met up with some folks we know from the IronPigs games who were battling for position near the table. Prices seemed reasonable, by reports, but I just couldn’t get involved with that craziness. Love qtego auctions…

We enjoyed a quick post-game tailgate and headed back to the Lehigh Valley, arriving around Midnight. It was a long day.

Alas, the Section N Hecklers still had five hours or so left in their journey. The Glens Falls Civic Center has hosted AHL hockey for 35 years–though not continuous, it hosted the Adirondack Red Wings when it was built in 1979. It’s neither big nor new, but the fans there are passionate about hockey and deserve a new team when the Phantoms relocate to the Lehigh Valley in the fall. Matt and Travis already have their eye on a potential team. I wish them luck, and perhaps they’ll come visit us either to see the Phantoms play, or to cheer for their new team visiting us. I think the frustration of yet another losing season is getting to them, though. After the loss, “You guys can keep them” came over Twitter.

As for the Lehigh Valley, we’ve got some big shoes to fill as far as fan support, but I think we’re up to the task. Hockey regionally is has strong fan support, and hockey fans are passionate about seeing their sport played live. I often hear, “I don’t know how hockey’s going to work in Allentown.” Hockey fans will come. They’ll come out to see the sport and see potential Flyers at a reasonable price. Caveats about parking and traffic apply, of course.

As an update, here’s a copy of the seating chart for the PPL Arena, and a new video illustration of interior. Following, are photos taken by Kram Jr and DiPro. Enjoy, and get ready for some HOCKEY!

Sections and Pricing from the LV Phantoms web site

DiPro on the Glass (a new column, perhaps?) – Photo Kram Jr.

Photo: Kram Jr.

Photo: Kram Jr

Wind One Up! Photo Kram Jr.

Chippy — Photo: Kram Jr.

Board Hit! – Photo: Kram Jr.

uh oh – Photo Kram Jr.

Photo Kram Jr.

Photo Kram Jr

Now, from the “On the Glass Experience” by DiPro:

Drop ‘Em Photo-DiPro

Get A Stick On It! Photo DiPro

Light ‘Em Mup Photo: DiPro

Fisticuffs Photo: DiPro

Number 44 You’re Outta Here: Game Misconduct. Photo: DiPro

Face Off Up Close Photo: DiPro

Photo DiPro

Dax the Beaver. Photo: DiPro

Traffic. Photo: DiPro

Well Hello There. Up Close on the Glass. Photo: DiPro

Photo: DiPro

Smell you later,

@Kram209

Soon to be:

@Kram106

3 Comments

Filed under Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Phantoms Hockey

Tagged as Adirondack Phantoms, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, New Hockey Arena in Allentown, Phantoms in Philadelphia, Section N Hecklers

February 21, 2014 · 2:15 pm

If You Understand the Balk, You Can Understand Icing @Ironpigs @LVPhantoms

A few years back I remember listing to Matt Provence call an IronPig’s away game. I forget when and where it was but the crowd microphone was clearly picking up a man explaining to his son the Balk rule but very badly and completely wrong. Matt had a lot of fun with this and we can hope the father and son eventually learned the correct rule. We hope this never happens to you so we decided to brush up a bit ourselves.

The Lehigh Valley will soon welcome the arrival of professional Ice Hockey in the form of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. There will be a definite transition period from baseball to hockey. Granted, I know there are die-hard hockey fans out there who are all schooled up on rules, teams, players, history, stats and all that but for the causal fan, (and those of us who couldn’t sit straight up on a Zamboni in ice skates), it may prove a challenge to understand all the rules.

I’d like to start with what most non-hockey fans complain about not understanding. Icing. That call that stops play and causes a faceoff.. sometimes it’s called, sometimes it isn’t. We’ll help you understand it but first…

You are a baseball fan, right? You know what a Balk is. You don’t? Yes, yes you do but just in case:

A pitcher is restricted to a certain set of motions and one of two basic pitching positions before and during a pitch; if these regulations are violated with one or more runners on base, an umpire may call a balk.

With a runner on base and the pitcher on or astride (with one leg on each side of) the rubber, under Official Baseball Rules, it is a balk when the pitcher switches his pitching position from the windup to the set (or vice versa) without properly disengaging the rubber

while on the rubber, makes a motion associated with his pitch and does not complete the delivery

when pitching from the set position, fails to make a complete stop with his hands together before beginning to pitch

throws from the mound to a base without stepping toward (gaining distance in the direction of) that base

throws or feints a throw from the rubber to an unoccupied base, unless a play is imminent

steps or feints from the rubber to first or third base without completing the throw (doing so to second base is legal)

delivers a quick return, a pitch thrown right after receiving the ball back, with intent to catch the batter off-guard

drops the ball while on the rubber, even if by accident, if the ball does not subsequently cross a foul line

while intentionally walking a batter, releases a pitch while the catcher is out of his box with one or both feet unnecessarily delays the game pitches while facing away from the batter

after bringing his hands together on the rubber, separates them except in making a pitch or a throw stands on or astride the rubber without the ball, or mimics a pitch without the ball throws to first when the first baseman, because of his distance from the base, is unable to make a play on the runner there.

delivers a pitch during a squeeze play or a steal of home, if the catcher or some other player steps on or in front of home base without possession of the ball, or touches the batter or his bat. The ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base, the pitcher is charged with a balk, and the run scores.

Offical MLB Rules for Pitchers

Ok, enough about baseball for now. Let’s move onto hockey and that elusive understanding of Icing.

Icing is an infraction that occurs when a player shoots the puck across both the center red line and the opposing team’s goal line, and the puck remains untouched. When icing occurs, an official stops play. Play is resumed with a faceoff in the defending zone of the team that committed the infraction.

For a puck shot towards the top of the diagram, example “A” is not icing. Example “B” is icing, provided that “B” is done by a team that is not short-handed. – Wikipedia

So when you are on your side of the field (ice) and you just hammer it to the other side and no one touches it. It’s a penalty. Got it.

Wait, it’s not that easy.

While an icing call is pending,(it hasn’t gotten there yet) the linesman raises an arm to indicate that a potential icing call may be made. If the icing is waved off, the official lowers his arm and gives the washout signal (similar to the “safe” sign in baseball).

So icing can be waved off? How does the official decide when to wave off the penalty?

Icing is always waved off in the following situations:

The team committing the icing is shorthanded, i.e. penalty killing.

The linesman believes a player on the opposing team (other than the goalkeeper) could have played the puck before it crossed the goal line.

The puck enters the goal.

The puck is iced directly from a player participating in a face-off.

The goalkeeper leaves his goal crease and moves in the direction of the puck.

So it’s looking clearer now. There seems to be a process to deciding if icing will be called. Kind of like the opposing team can stop the penalty if they want.. if they stop the puck before it gets to the goal line or the goal keeper goes for it.

Interesting stuff. Hope you learned something today and you’ll be able to school your friends and neighbors at the Phantoms soon!

3 Comments

Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Phantoms Hockey

February 2, 2014 · 4:05 pm

Phantoms Triumphant in Return to Philadelphia! Wings Fly! A Day of Sports in South Philly

Not much of a crowd 2 hrs before game time. Photo Kram.

A NoiseNation contingent was present at the Sports Complex in South Philadelphia yesterday to cheer on the soon-to-be Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Promotion was in full swing, as the Phantoms prepare for their arrival in Allentown. Representatives were on hand to sign up prospective season ticket holders. New gear was on sale. Contact information was disseminated for those in attendance who may be willing to drive to Allentown for hockey. And with the price of NHL tickets, I predict a fair few out-of-town fans to be coming for hockey in the fall.

As we observed last season when the Phantoms played a game in Philadelphia ( here ) the locals support hockey. Even with the NHL season in full swing (there was labor strife last season) and another Phantoms game in Philly coming up (February 22) they still managed to put 16,173 in the stands for a 4-1 “Lehigh Valley” win. Of course, they still are the Adirondack Phantoms, but much of the promotion and in-game advertising promoted them as “Lehigh Valley,” noting the September 2014 “puck drops” date. This was a bit different from last season when it was purely an Adirondack game, with but a short Ryan Kelly-Service Electric Phantoms video promoting Lehigh Valley.

We left plenty early Saturday morning from points within the Lehigh Valley. A fairly empty Wells Fargo lot greeted us, and the 47 parking lot attendants wanted $16 for a parking spot. I don’t recall that we even had to pay for parking last season when the Phantoms were in town. But that’s the way it goes…

(remembered my camera….at about Landsdale. So photos are from iPhone…)

Center City, in the Distance. Photo Kram.

Last year, we were able to enter 30 minutes early via the VIP entrance. We looked forward to the same treatment this year as our tickets were in a similar location on the club level. It was not to be. VIP entrance remained closed until all gates opened, and it didn’t appear that the Cadillac Grille and related bar area were open at all–although I confess that I didn’t check carefully once we were allowed in our suite. No matter, just different.

Not Feeling Very Important…. (Kram)

The arena and ice greeted us on our arrival, but as we settled in at a club table, we discovered that they were sold out of cheese steaks. In Philadelphia. I’m not making this up.

The arena just after we arrived. (Kram)

Nevertheless, we found cheese steaks elsewhere on the concourse, some crab fries as well, and some liquid refreshment.

Once the game got underway, we enjoyed some spirited hockey. The action was plentiful and the hockey good. All I can remember from last year’s 1-0 Phantoms loss was a lot of sloppy hockey and a lot of weak wrist shots. This was a better game with lots of good plays in front of the nets by both teams. The 32 minutes in total penalty time handed out was another sign of hard play on both sides. There were two (kind-of) fights but nothing great in that area.

The Play on the Ice in Front of Us (Kram)

Some Gloves and Hats on the Ice…. (Kram)

We previously discussed the possibility of staying in town for the Philly Wings Indoor Lacrosse game. Prices for Lacrosse tickets ranged from $10 for upper/ends to $75 for on the glass. Club level tickets which cost $33 for hockey were $55 for lacrosse. Add to that, convenience and delivery fees which about doubled a 3-seat $30 order. We decided to wait and “play it by ear.” Pumped up by the Phantom’s victory, we stopped by the ticket office for some seats and saved about $22 in fees. We had three hours to kill, then, until the arena opened back up for The Wings. The hockey game took but 2:25. We would have loved to see the changeover, but something tells me the arena staff wouldn’t have liked us loitering about inside. We went in search of food and beverage:

The Xfinity complex, with The Bank in the background. (Kram)

Closer to Xfinity, with The Linc in the background. (Kram)

I’d never been to the Xfinity complex, a group of bars and restaurants at the heart of the Sports Complex. As we approached, though, we started to hear about “Beer Fest” and “Cover Charge.” This was a little more than we wanted to deal with. Junior suggested McFaddens, so we made our way on foot over to Citizens Bank Park. They were not busy at all, and we were quickly able to get beverages and sustenance. In fact, they were so efficient, we had more time to kill. It was no problem to hang out and watch the Flyers game (a 2-0 victory in LA), but we didn’t linger too long. We took a walk around the complex and took in some views:

(we certainly didn’t move our car–they wanted $20 to park for lacrosse)

The closest DiPro has ever been to CBP. (Kram)

Planes coming in beyond the Wells Fargo. (kram)

All Ready for Lacrosse! (Kram)

The Philadelphia Wings are members of the National Lacrosse League, which has nine teams across the US and Canada. The game was to be played versus the Vancouver Stealth. There were 6,104 in attendance for the game–a nice turnout to be sure. Most folks in the stands were really into the game, which was nice to see for us as mostly observers–the uninitiated in the ways of lacrosse. We learned the sport by watching, and had a good time. Indoor lacrosse is also known as “box lacrosse” and may have some rules and strategy different from the outdoor, field version.

The first thing we noticed is that the teams platoon entirely on a change of possession, with rare exception. Once the ball is turned over, the recovering player sprints up the field, stops, and waits for the other players to go to the bench, and new attackers to join. He passes the ball then leaves the field for an offensive replacement. The defense performs a similar switcheroo. It was kind of disconcerting at first. I cannot imagine a hockey or indoor soccer team changing out completely like that. And, I kept thinking that there should be some way for a team to “counter” the measure by leaving players on the field slightly longer in order to get open looks at the net. Perhaps this is prevented by the defense joining the field prior to the offense leaving–a supposed penalty which was never called.

The next thing to notice is that the music never stops. A new rock song starts with each change of possession. It added a frenetic element to the game–but didn’t make for a relaxing or conversational atmosphere, to be sure. And make no mistake about the substitution comments above: these guys are athletes as much as hockey players or soccer or basketball. They run hard, bang into each other and swat with those sticks. A Vancouver player hit the turf after getting decked with a stick in the second half. He popped back up, but it was jarring.

We discussed the possibility of a lacrosse team playing in the new Allentown PPL Arena. Our conclusion was that it is unlikely. Recently, the other indoor lacrosse leagues–North American Lacrosse League, Professional Indoor Lacrosse League–have folded or failed to flourish. With the Philly team so close, another in the Lehigh Valley seems unlikely. We feel the most likely and comfortable partner for the Phantoms in Allentown is our friends the already established Steel Hawks professional indoor football. The league season meshes best with hockey, too. Indoor soccer and D-League basketball have already been mentioned as well. They would be candidates to become a third partner. More on this later.

Anyway, scoring sometimes came quickly, but the Wings got an early lead and never relinquished it. The final score was 15-9. The game summary and a video of the entire game can be seen here .

Lacrosse Action! Note players entering and leaving. (Kram)

Lacrosse Action! Note players entering and leaving the field.
(Kram)

And another (Kram)

It was a great day of Philly sports! Two wins in two games and a lot of fun times. We made it home without incident. We look forward to the Phantoms game on February 22. It won’t be a “two-fer” though, as the next one’s an evening affair.

The Alien in the Bridge sent us home….
(Kram)

See you in Hockey Town,

@Kram209

3 Comments

Filed under DiPro's Dish, Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Phantoms Hockey

January 9, 2014 · 4:46 pm

NoiseCast – Episode 6 – Pigs, Tim C, Phils Banquet, Morandini, Hawks, Phantoms

Join Kram and I for the first NoiseCast of 2014!

Title says it all!

Correction: Steelhawks open April 6 and IronPigs April 7. Guess I was wishing for it to be a day earlier.

NoiseCast Episode 6 (right click to download)

Thanks for listening!

DiPro – 88 days!

3 Comments

Filed under Coca Cola Park, DiPro's Dish, Kram's Korner - From the Club Level, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Phantoms Hockey, Steel Hawks

September 10, 2013 · 10:19 am

Should the LV Phantoms Consider a Name Change?

New town, new fans… could the Lehigh Valley Phantoms benefit from a name change?

Think about it. We already have the IronPigs and the Steelhawks here in the Lehigh Valley. Could the Phantoms become more.. local?

Granted there are places in the Valley reputed to be haunted… the King George Inn.. (oh wait, yeah) well, while whatever cheap money making endeavor demolishes the King George Inn will certainly be “visited” by angry Revolutionary War era spirts that’s for another conversation.

Perhaps the Phantoms could use some suggestions:

– Lehigh Valley Metal Mice?

– Lehigh Valley Platinum Polar Bears?

– Lehigh Valley Wrought Iron Wrangers? (Ok, NY Fans wouldn’t like this one)

– Lehigh Valley Brass Bobcats

I’d love to hear your suggestions! Leave the in the comment section below!

Many teams perform a complete rebranding and are successful when relocating to a new city. Look at the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Richmond lost their Richmond Braves a year before and have a booming operation now. Even our beloved Lehigh Valley IronPigs were once the Ottawa Lynx. Could you imagine the Lehigh Valley Lynx playing at Coca Cola Park?

I’m going to say it here, the Phantoms are not going to change their name. I’m grasping for something to write in what will probably be the last “off-season” for Lehigh Valley Pro sports in a long time. Just next year the Steelhawks football season will lead into the IronPigs baseball season into the Phantoms Hockey season. We will have pro sports in the LV all year long!

So why would any successful team change a well recognized, successful and long term brand? I don’t know.

Staring at you Reading Phillies. Staring at you.

1 Comment

Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Phantoms Hockey, Steel Hawks

May 17, 2013 · 12:10 pm

I was sad because the Pigs were losing until I remembered a city that had no team.

I can’t imagine what it’s like for dedicated fans to see their team leave. To watch the field fall into disrepair.

Not long ago we in the Lehigh Valley were excited to receive a Triple A Minor league baseball team. These days we have the excitement of adding the Phantoms hockey team to the list of LV sports. This morning I sat staring at the results of the past few games against Norfolk. It’s been rough. (Norfolk is currently leading the IL South division. They are stomping everybody not just us.) Excuses aside, The Pigs are losing. Some are talking about it and some aren’t. You can feel how you want about it and honestly, I’m not smiling but I’m not sad.

I’m not sad one bit.

I do feel some empathy for those in Ottawa and Glenn Falls, NY. Ottawa lost their team when they decided to move here to the Lehigh Valley. Glenn Falls will lose the Phantoms as soon as the Allentown Arena is completed. Granted, fan and community support may have been lacking but you know there are fans out there who were season ticket holders. Fans who showed up at every game and spent all they could to support the teams.

Does it hit me in the gut every time the Pigs lose? Yeah, it does.

Am I sad? Not one bit. I’m thankful to have these teams here and know there is no guarantee that they will always be here.

With that said… Let’s get back to baseball.

The Pigs are nearing the basement of the International League. Currently in 4th place in the North division a 16-24 record leaves them just .5 game ahead of Rochester and 1 game ahead of Syracuse. Only Gwinnett, Charlotte and Toledo have slightly worse records. Just 3.5 games from the bottom of the IL league. Not great at all.

Looking at their opponents recently Norfolk has the best record in the IL at 29-12, Durham is 25-16, while Louisville is 20-21 and Indianapolis is 29-13. The Pigs are taking on the chin this month but their opponents are certainly no push overs. I’d look for the Pigs to level out their record soon with Rochester 16-25 and Gwinnett 16-26 coming up.

Walks have hurt. Errors have hurt. For some hitters even Nell Carter couldn’t give them a break.

What do the IronPigs need to do?

They need to start doing the basics correctly every time. It’s not as easy as you think. Throw strikes. Field the ball. Hit the ball where they ain’t.

I’m behind this team. You should be too.

Hey, it’s only May!

OinK!

3 Comments

Filed under Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Phantoms Hockey

April 30, 2013 · 7:57 pm

Prepare Yourself for Phantoms Hockey

I didn’t really pay much attention to hockey as a kid. I don’t know what icing is despite looking it up on Wikipedia nor do I understand every detail of the game. Maybe you’re like me or perhaps you are a rabid hockey fan ready for the Phantoms to start their first season here in the Lehigh Valley.

Either way, my preparations included watching some classic (and not so classic) hockey movies to get ready for Lehigh Valley hockey!

I started off with the Mighty Ducks. Perhaps not the greatest hockey movie but it does have its moments:

How could you not love a Knucklepuck?

Ducks fly together!

I moved onto a newer movie, “Goon” starring the guy everyone recognizes as Stiffler from American Pie.

Although not a hockey movie, Happy Gilmore does have a few hockey “moments”

Then there’s Mystery Alaska! Love this movie…

I couldn’t find any online clips from Miracle on Ice but I did find footage of the last minute of the actual game.

And finally, perhaps the greatest hockey movie ever made. Slapshot.

Complete with action..

…and some comedy.

Enjoy!

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Filed under Phantoms Hockey

March 12, 2013 · 12:23 pm

Phantoms Open Practice in Lehigh Valley!

The Phantoms are showing some Lehigh Valley love and are stopping by for an autograph session and practice viewing! Awesome!!!

From the Phantoms:

The team is making a stop in the Lehigh Valley on their way to the game vs. the Hershey Bears and we are opening the team practice to the public!

WHEN: SATURDAY MARCH 16
WHERE: The Steel Ice Center
(320 E. 1st Street Bethlehem, PA 18015)

ADMISSION IS FREE!

AUTOGRAPH SESSION From 12:00pm- 12:45pm
Collect autographs on specially provided player photos from your favorite Phantoms!

TEAM PRACTICE From 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Watch as the Phantoms prepare to take on rivals the Hershey Bears

The Excitement is Building

SPACE IS LIMITED PLEASE COME EARLY

We will make every effort to make sure as many fans participate in the autograph session as possible, but will be taken on a first come first serve basis and will end promptly at 12:45pm in order to meet the practice schedule. Taking pictures with the players will not be allowed in order to make sure as many fans can participate as possible, however, pictures can be taken of the players while they are practicing. We will provide player photos for autographs, please feel free to bring your own cards or jerseys. No hockey equipment please!

The Steel Ice Center has limited bleacher seating and standing room in the rink where the Phantoms will practice, again, this will be taken on a first come first serve basis.

Please also be aware that the Steel Ice Center has an open public skate in their second rink at the same time as the practice. Please look for signage directing fans which doors to enter for the Phantoms event.

Call us at 610-224-GOAL [4625]

See you there!