Forecast Calls For Sleet

There was a storm in the forecast for Summerside last night at the Credit Union Place.  This isn't your usual storm, but the Summerside Storm.  Our very own basketball team. 

I attended my first Storm game last night, which also happened to be their last home game of the season.  The crowd packed in closely - approximately a "whopping" 4000 human bodies.

Upon entering the building, all seemed like a normal sporting event.  This all ended at the front door where we were all greeted by screeching bagpipers and a mass of extremely excited children running loose amongst the crowd.  Everywhere I turned I was greeted by someone I knew, which is to be expected in this small city.

We had standing tickets which was fine with me, because there were plenty of seats available for the taking after the game started.

I must admit, I was beginning to get a little excited as the "show" began and had unreasonable high expectations.  Out came the much anticipated cheerleaders.

The cheerleaders ......WTF?

A group of girls who couldn't have been older than 16, came rushing out waving their pom-poms in full sweat suits.  No bikini's, no twirly twirls or flippy-flips.  They were claiming they were part of a dance studio.  It must have been a hard day at school for them because they were about as enthusiastic about being there as they would have been about doing their math homework.  It was simliar to something out of the movie American Beauty - minus the typical cheer outfits.  You almost feel guilty for watching them, but you don't because after all - they are wearing full on sweatshirts and sweat pants.

Ignoring the girls, I began to focus on our team.  Most of our players are "imported", which is quite obvious and reassuring.  I would hate to see anyone from Summerside (including myself) play basketball, or worse, wear shorts and a tank top.

On with the half-time show! YAY!  This is usually one of the best parts of the whole game in itself.  At least if you're watching live NBA.  A guy I've never heard of or seen before came out with a microphone and guitar.  Not a bad singer, but definitely pub style.  He sang a song that was annoying similar to Copperhead Road - which would have been a much better choice.

The girls came back out and did their little dance while I stuffed my face with two huge slices of garlic fingers and dipping sauce.  $4.00 a slice, not bad.

Summerside Storm was in the lead for most of the night and towards the end, it was an almost obvious win.  The announcer had the entire crowd stand (good for press pictures I'm sure - makes us all look excited) so we could all watch Summerside LOSE.

With all my criticism, I did have fun.  It was something to do on a Friday night and my boyfriend and I had loads of fun people watching.

One thing to remember though, in Summerside you can never really get your hopes up because when they call for a storm, we get sleet.  Messy. Wet. Sleet.