Ice Dogs head coach John Hoos. Photo credit: Blake Aued.
Hockey? In Athens?
Yep.
The University of Georgia Ice Dogs hockey team made its Athens debut Wednesday night at the Classic Center, beating arch-rival Georgia Tech 6–3.
The team has played home games mainly in Duluth, but thanks to the new removable ice rink and bleachers at the Classic Center, now squares off against visitors just a few blocks from campus.
“To be home now in Athens after 27 years is just the biggest thrill we could ever imagine,” head coach John Hoos said.
The game was just an exhibition—”We’re calling this a bowl game,” Hoos said—but nonetheless sold out weeks ago. The Classic Center Grand Hall seats 2,100 people when configured for hockey.
“It’s really awesome to see how Athens has really embraced this team,” junior forward Luke Dixon said.
Georgia may not be synonymous with ice hockey, but Dixon grew up just down the road in Grayson. He picked up the sport in kindergarten after seeing a flyer for a hockey rink in Snellville.
Oh, and his dad is from Ontario.
“He says he didn’t push me into it, but it’s hard to remember back then,” Dixon said.
“Home” games at the Ice Forum in Duluth drew a few hundred to 1,500 fans, depending on the time and the opponent, and the fans were a mix of UGA students and Gwinnett County residents. Playing in Athens will help the team recruit players and build a fan base, Hoos said.
“Once you see it in person, you’re hooked for life,” said David Brooks, head of the team’s booster club.
The Classic Center configured for hockey. Photo credit: Blake Aued.
The regular season kicks off in September and runs through February. Already, the Classic Center has sold more than 100 season tickets, Executive Director Paul Cramer said.
While priority is given to conventions, they book two years in advance, so Hoos was able to schedule the Ice Dogs’ 20 home games on days when the Grand Hall would otherwise be empty, Cramer said.
The Classic Center hosted the Chick-fil-A Connect Half Marathon last Saturday, but workers and volunteers were able to set up the rink and seats in three days. They’ll take a day or two to break down, he said.
The stadium-style seating also will allow the Classic Center to host spectator events like upcoming cheerleading and juggling (yes, juggling) competitions, Cramer said.
The ice and seating were part of a $5.4 million package the Athens-Clarke County Commission approved last year that will include additional parking as well. The center is paying off bonds for the project by taking a share of ticket, merchandise and concession revenue.
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