Tom Serratore and I went to the UAH Booster luncheon today (whereever there is BBQ to eat…I’m there!).  A lot of the talk was about what BSU has been through, and what UAH is currently going through. 

Beaver fans…feel VERY fortunate!  Remember back to 2007.  Then BSU President John Quistgard gave the hockey program an ultimatum.  Raise $1.5 million, or the hockey program is shut down.

So, RH Bob Peters, Tom Serratore and Rob Bollinger went out soliciting fundraising.  They sold 23 of the 25 suites at the Events Center TWO YEARS BEFORE THE BUILDING WAS EVEN BUILT!

That’s unheard of.  That money, and a commitment by the citizens of Bemidji and the State Legislature, ensured that Beaver hockey is “safe” for the next fifty years.

Now, look at UAH.  They’re a team without a (conference) home.  They are forced to play an independent schedule for the indefinite future.  They are forced to play second fiddle to a second fiddle minor league hockey team in a second fiddle arena.

The Von Braun Center is an old building….VERY old.  They’re spending a PILE of money to remodel the place.  It’s like putting a bandaid on a broken arm!  They’re improving the concourse and the bathrooms (which IS needed), but that’s about it.  They really aren’t doing much to the bowl of the arena at all.  The locker rooms stink…the seating bowl stinks…and their attendance is struggling. 

Maybe it’s just because I LOVE barbecue…but college hockey needs to take care of these guys.  I don’t want this to be my last trip to the “Hunt”!