By Scott Bondy

Instead of writing a column this month, I thought I’d use one that was submitted to CHI from a hockey fan. I think it makes an excellent point. PLEASE READ! 

Unless metro area hockey fans show more support, we might lose one of the most exciting professional hockey teams ever to play in Colorado. The Rocky Mountain Rage, of the CHL, is in their third season. The team is full of talented, energetic and dedicated players. There is never a dull moment at a Rage game. 

The Rage play at the Broomfield Event Center, a beautiful new facility off of Highway 36. My friends and I have been going to Rage games since the BEC opened and have never had so much fun for such an inexpensive cost so close to home. 
The Rage's arch rivals are the Colorado Eagles, another NW Division team that plays at the Budweiser Events Center up in Loveland off of I-25. Unlike the Rage, who has suffered from poor attendance, the Colorado Eagles were supported by their fans from day one. The Budweiser Event Center sells out consistently for Eagles games while Rage games only have half their attendance or less. 

Sadder still, when the Eagles come to Broomfield to play the Rage, the Eagle fans often outnumber Rage fans by at least 4-to-1. It's pretty embarrassing to hear all those obnoxious Eagles fans out-cheer the Rage fans on our home ice. 

Broomfield Sports and Entertainment, who manage the BEC, has said that they are not making enough money to make ends meet. Since the Denver metro area has a much higher population than Loveland/Ft. Collins, why do the Eagles sell out and the Rage struggle to fill the stadium?  

The Broomfield Event Center has everything you need for an inexpensive night of family fun. They sell $10 student tickets and $5 kids tickets. You can get $2 beer every time the Rage scores a goal. Parking is free.

Metro-area hockey fans need to do their part to support the team. Get out and see this great team and make some noise for them while you still can! I guarantee you will have a good time at these exciting games, even if you're not a hockey fan. Let's go Rage!!! 
 
Laura Kriho 
Boulder, CO