|
Post by PantherG on Nov 17, 2014 22:41:15 GMT
I went to Berlin for a long weekend and took in an Ice Hockey match at the O2, home of Eisbären Berlin. I have to say I was astounded at the atmosphere in the building. I have been watching ice hockey since I was young kid, way back in the early 80's, been around the world taking in a number of games in the NHL and AHL and never ever I have experienced an atmosphere like I did in the 02.
They play in a fantastic stadium and it was jam packed with about 14,000 of the most enthusiastic fans I have ever had the privilege to sit with. The entire experience was so slick, they have their own song and the guy on the mic was on the ice and got that crowd going. The pre-entrance video was fantastic with small fireworks at it's conclusion. Each seat had a large cardboard square tucked in it and you basically fold it up and make it into a fan that you can slap your hand with to make some noise and boy does that crowd make some noise. The guys behind the goals literally sang/chanted from start to finish with huge flags waving and they have two or three guys banging drums to gee up the crowd. What also really impressed me was during the powerplay the entire crowd stood up and generated, if possible, an even better atmosphere. Clearly playing at home with that crowd has to be a huge advantage. The goal celebration was also fantastic and I was sad that I only experienced it once, Berlin won 1-0.
The EIHL teams could learn a lot from these guys in terms of putting on one hell of a show.
The one thing that does puzzle me on reflection is why do none of the EIHL teams have guys with drums, back when I was a teenager we always had someone with a drum up in Fife, it really worked and got the crowd going. But someone told me that anything like this is forbidden at our matches. Seems really weird as this is the sort of thing that can get the crowd going.
Anyway if anyone is planning a weekend away in Europe I full recommend a trip to Berlin and make sure you take in the Eisbären Berlin experience, I was really blown away.
|
|
|
Post by The Flying Shirt on Nov 17, 2014 23:01:41 GMT
Plenty of good seats left... Claws and paws...
|
|
HoHoHo
Jade Galbraith
Posts: 36
|
Post by HoHoHo on Nov 18, 2014 8:22:24 GMT
It would go down a treat at Ediburgh in front of 350 people. They'd be spending their budget on a show. Come to think of it.
|
|
calv
Jade Galbraith
Posts: 157
Member is Online
|
Post by calv on Nov 18, 2014 9:20:15 GMT
I think the atmosphere in Europe appears to be much better than at UK games, the Swedish supporters in particular seem to be quite fanatic with large flags, chanting, etc , (Another example: sports.yahoo.com/blogs/puck-daddy/swedish-hockey-fans-put-postgame-celebrations-shame-video-235408854--nhl.html ), Germany etc as well have great atmospheres. When I went to Switzerland I watched 3 games over a weekend. All 3 arenas (Geneva, Lausanna, Biel-Bienne) had large standing sections where the 'noisy' fans stood. At the front of these sections was a man with a drum and a man with a megaphone. The guy with the megaphone would face the rest of the fans (I don't think they actually watched any of the games) and shout out the chants and the rest of the fans would follow on. There was non-stop chanting throughout all 3 games, which was quite impressive, and large flag waving etc. They also gave away free programmes at 2 of the games, and Geneva have a bald eagle that flies on to the ice just before the game
|
|
BigLad
David Clarke
TWITTER: @AntMJ11
Posts: 3,585
|
Post by BigLad on Nov 18, 2014 11:36:22 GMT
Berlin sounds no different to Hamburg tbh.
|
|
iginla
Chick Zamick
Posts: 13,446
|
Post by iginla on Nov 18, 2014 13:11:32 GMT
The answer lies with the fact that we aren't allowed flags and drums for fear of upsetting people who "just want to watch the hockey". Even when we now have the great noisy crew,they get shunted into the far corner of block 18 where the are least effective.
People who don't like noise should go and watch snooker or something !
|
|
|
Post by PantherG on Nov 18, 2014 15:23:30 GMT
|
|
|
Post by PantherG on Nov 18, 2014 15:33:52 GMT
The answer lies with the fact that we aren't allowed flags and drums for fear of upsetting people who "just want to watch the hockey". Even when we now have the great noisy crew,they get shunted into the far corner of block 18 where the are least effective. People who don't like noise should go and watch snooker or something ! I get the flags to be honest as I don't want my view blocked by a flag, but there is certainly no reason why we cant have drums and megaphones. The NIC is often like a library and would benefit from generating a bit of atmosphere.
|
|
|
Post by The Flying Shirt on Nov 18, 2014 16:04:29 GMT
The answer lies with the fact that we aren't allowed flags and drums for fear of upsetting people who "just want to watch the hockey". Even when we now have the great noisy crew,they get shunted into the far corner of block 18 where the are least effective. People who don't like noise should go and watch snooker or something ! I get the flags to be honest as I don't want my view blocked by a flag, but there is certainly no reason why we cant have drums and megaphones. The NIC is often like a library and would benefit from generating a bit of atmosphere. Sheffield bring more flags to the NIC in one visit than I see Panthers fans take flags anywhere in five years.
|
|
Higgy
Les Strongman
Posts: 5,293
|
Post by Higgy on Nov 18, 2014 17:17:45 GMT
The one thing that does puzzle me on reflection is why do none of the EIHL teams have guys with drums, back when I was a teenager we always had someone with a drum up in Fife, it really worked and got the crowd going. But someone told me that anything like this is forbidden at our matches. Seems really weird as this is the sort of thing that can get the crowd going. Some EIHL teams do have drums, Sheffield, Belfast and Cardiff spring to mind In terms of the NIC I'm sure either the arena do not allow musical instruments or Panthers don't like them, one of the two. If any teams have brought them in the past they've been confiscated. They'll probably blame is on 'Health and Safety' like everything in this country. I'd love a few drums but I know a lot of people can't stand them.
|
|
Mozzy
Pat Casey
Cracking
Posts: 365
|
Post by Mozzy on Nov 18, 2014 18:18:33 GMT
We have all the drums in 218 used by rock the block. They make a great atmosphere when Simmsey doesn't drown them out with the music.
Edit.....although it's got a lot better with that lately since @thedows is doing more of the music.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2014 18:29:32 GMT
Been to see elite league games in sweden and believe me its on another level to the UK..german or any other euro league that's for sure. Flares and the lot. Especially in Linkoping where HV71 play. .. and the hockey ain't bad either !
|
|
|
Post by PantherG on Nov 18, 2014 19:28:52 GMT
Been to see elite league games in sweden and believe me its on another level to the UK..german or any other euro league that's for sure. Flares and the lot. Especially in Linkoping where HV71 play. .. and the hockey ain't bad either ! I will have to add that to my to do list then....
|
|
calv
Jade Galbraith
Posts: 157
Member is Online
|
Post by calv on Nov 18, 2014 20:37:20 GMT
HV71 play in Jonkoping... Make sure you don't go to the wrong place ;-) Although, Linkoping does have a team as well.
|
|
|
Post by spik on Nov 18, 2014 21:19:29 GMT
I get the flags to be honest as I don't want my view blocked by a flag, but there is certainly no reason why we cant have drums and megaphones. The NIC is often like a library and would benefit from generating a bit of atmosphere. Sheffield bring more flags to the NIC in one visit than I see Panthers fans take flags anywhere in five years. Question should be WHY we sell one now at a silly price if you can't use it......on a wall yes, in front of me, no thanks.
|
|
|
Post by cooperphil156 on Nov 18, 2014 21:25:42 GMT
I think the atmosphere in Europe appears to be much better than at UK games, the Swedish supporters in particular seem to be quite fanatic with large flags, chanting, etc , (Another example: sports.yahoo.com/blogs/puck-daddy/swedish-hockey-fans-put-postgame-celebrations-shame-video-235408854--nhl.html ), Germany etc as well have great atmospheres. When I went to Switzerland I watched 3 games over a weekend. All 3 arenas (Geneva, Lausanna, Biel-Bienne) had large standing sections where the 'noisy' fans stood. At the front of these sections was a man with a drum and a man with a megaphone. The guy with the megaphone would face the rest of the fans (I don't think they actually watched any of the games) and shout out the chants and the rest of the fans would follow on. There was non-stop chanting throughout all 3 games, which was quite impressive, and large flag waving etc. They also gave away free programmes at 2 of the games, and Geneva have a bald eagle that flies on to the ice just before the game I went on a trip 18 months ago and there 3 Swiss lads. I got chatting to one who was a lawyer. He loved the ice hockey and of course the football. On big problem he pointed out in Switzerland with the ice hockey was a large hooligan element, which surprised me. So swings and roundabouts.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2014 22:14:27 GMT
HV71 play in Jonkoping... Make sure you don't go to the wrong place ;-) Although, Linkoping does have a team as well. my mistake. Jonkoping its near Gothenburg which is nearest airport
|
|
|
Post by PantherB on Nov 18, 2014 22:56:54 GMT
Sheffield bring more flags to the NIC in one visit than I see Panthers fans take flags anywhere in five years. Question should be WHY we sell one now at a silly price if you can't use it......on a wall yes, in front of me, no thanks. Agree with that, most away trips we have there's always a big Panthers flag and although the idea is good, they use it at stupid times. When the teams come out and after we score are most frequent, doesn't give you chance to see the players celebrate or for fans to cheer/clap. I've also missed a couple goals because of that damn flag to. Should stick to the wall or over empty seats.
|
|