Opinion
‘Super Fans’ loyal to women’s hockey team
March 12, 2009
The “Hunting Grounds” student section at Hunt Arena for the UW-River Falls women’s hockey games did not draw as well as men’s games this year, but it did not mean they were quiet.
Loud and boisterous, the “Super Fans,” as one poster read, made for an entertaining season, which has ended up being a special one for the Falcons, who will play No. 1 Gustavus Adolphus College on March 14 in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
The 20-30 students who showed up to the women’s games came prepared with painted faces, dyed hair, sleeveless shirts, hockey jerseys and waving makeshift flags to make their presence known.
Visually entertaining they are, but what makes one laugh are the chants they came up with this season.
It is hard not to give credit to the creativity of the “Super Fans,” chants. They are not rude or terribly harassing, but funny, creative and entertaining.
When an opposing player gets a penalty, the more energetic “Super Fans,” will run across the bleachers near the opposition’s penalty box and give the player some friendly harassment by chanting “You-can’t-do-that,” clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.
Or how about when the referee makes what the “Super Fans” determine is a bad call on the Falcons. They let the ref know by chanting “Nuts and bolts, nuts and bolts, we got screwed.”
At first you might scratch your head, but then take into consideration how creative it really is and once again one cannot help but laugh.
Along with their chants, the “Super Fans,” are free entertainment during intermissions.
They draw attention just by simply walking to the bathroom or concession stands by talking with the players’ parents, giving one another piggy-back rides or dancing. The “Super Fans,” are truly worth the price of admission.
What is more important though is that they are there. These students were at every home game this season from start to finish.
They did not leave early if the game was a blowout, nor did they walk out when it was almost certain the Falcons were going to lose.
The wild, loud maniacs that moderately filled the student section are what true fans are all about.
Most sports fans will most likely say that women’s hockey is not nearly as exciting as the men’s game. For the “Super Fans,” it does not matter.
They were there every Friday, Saturday and Sunday doing what they did best and that was to support their favorite hockey team, the only UWRF athletic team that made something happen this year.
If it was not for the women’s hockey team this season, this winter would have been a lot more miserable.
For these proud “Super Fans,” it is not about the attention. It is about supporting their team, their friends and the best team in the NCHA.
So for you “Super Fans,” be proud of what you did this season.
You were an important part of the success of this year’s Falcon hockey team.
Being able to go on the ice after the O’ Brien Cup championship and celebrate with the team showed how much Falcons appreciated your support.
One of the biggest games in the school’s history is on March 14 in St. Peter, Minn. Hopefully the “Super Fans,” will make their presence known.
Justin Magill is a student at UW-River Falls.