By Jeff Moeller
Hockey in Savannah?
Growing up a few hours outside Philadelphia and watching the New York-based teams on TV as well, hockey was a winter staple. A group of us also played both ice and street hockey.
The historic, quaint, and legendary city that has been splashed with a twist of modern art didn’t quite seem like hockey could find a spot in the picture. In the past 10 years, Savannah has lost the Sand Gnats, a Mets’ affiliate, and the Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf tournament.
Pro sports teams and Savannah didn’t appear to be a long-term solution.
Yet, a new team would have the luxury of a brand, spanking-new, state-of-the-art arena to usher itself into its new surroundings. When you started to piece it all together, it looked like a winner.
So far, a few months in, the team has been well received. Hockey has appeared to find a home.
The Ghost Pirates are members of the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) and they are owned by the same owner as the Jacksonville Icemen, who are members of the same league and two-plus hour jaunt down I-95. Ironically, this ownership does have ties to the Flyers.
It was my first visit to the 9,500-seat Enmarket Arena, a few miles outside the downtown area, and it was impressive.
Walking into the arena, you immediately feel like you are close to the action with the lower level seemingly enclosed close to the ice. Walking around, it’s easy to see that there truly “isn’t a bad seat in the house” like the old adage goes.
There is an appealing pregame to the youngsters in the house with a Pirate presentation that reminded me of the Disney version. The seat and food prices are fan friendly.
On any given night, the attendance will hover around the 7,000 mark, which isn’t bad for an expansion team.
As for the team, this will take time. They are an affiliate of the Vegas NHL team, but they haven’t hit the jackpot yet.
With their 7-3 loss to South Carolina Saturday night, the Ghost Pirates stayed in seventh place and in the cellar of the ECHL South Division with an overall 12-23-1 record.
As for their neighbors to the South, the Iceman have been among the top three teams all season, and their ticket has been a hot one in Jacksonville. As of this writing, the Iceman were 27-14-1.
In its sixth season, hockey has found a home in Jacksonville. Attending a hockey game is commonplace. The Icemen have seemed to have gained a boost from the Jaguars’ recent rebirth.
The Ghost Pirates have a 10-year lease with the arena, and management doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon. They are there for the duration and appear to have the support they need.
Sure, it is a novelty for the first two years, and then any new franchise will start to lose some of its luster with the fans. Winning, though, can quickly rectify the situation.
Move over the history, the charm, the artistic flair, and even some sweet tea and pralines, Savannah.
Hockey has found a place to stay.
(SportsDay columnist Jeff Moeller writes about hockey, football and other sports for the Florida Sports Wire)
