The stands were full Wednesday, Dec. 31 for the Revelstoke Grizzlies’ annual New Year’s Eve home game against the Kamloops Storm. From crowds pulling off full arena waves to goalie Austin Seibel’s unassisted end-to-end goal to wrap up the game, it was an evening filled with all the highlights one wants in a hockey game.
The Grizzlies beat the Kamloops Storm 4-2, making Wednesday’s game the third year in a row the home team has won the New Year’s Eve game, always hosted at the Revelstoke Forum. The game has been a long-running staple in the season, marking a midpoint for the team and bringing in some of the biggest crowds each year.
With newer residents and seasonal tourists settled into town, it can sometimes be the first hockey game for many.
“You get people from different foreign countries here and they love it, they just get right in on the spirit of the night,” Georgina Bellows, Grizzlies staff member said. The announcers for the game even welcomed international fans during gameplay and gave Australian and New Zealand fans a special shout out.
“The staff, the volunteers, the team, we just want people coming out to enjoy the game and have fun with it,” Bellows said.
Christopher Bowerman, stick boy, puck boy and stand-in mascot for the Grizzlies called a win for the home team from the start, predicting Revelstoke’s league famous crowds would bring the energy to match.
“We are the best fans and that means we win tonight,” he said before the players were even on the ice. The New Year’s Eve game routinely sells out and crowds were gathered outside the Revelstoke Forum hoping for ticket no-shows and seats to empty up long before the doors even opened for the night.
Even with fireworks offered at various locations in and around Revelstoke, the game has developed into a sort of tradition for the town and even marks some key milestones for some.
“It’s sort of become this rite of passage for younger kids,” Dana Reaume said. “They can hang out with their friends, go to the concession stand themselves, they’re watching hockey players they look up to. And I get to sit and watch some good hockey and not have to worry.”
With the Forum bringing in nearly 1,000 ticketed fans for the game, locals often run into familiar faces, something that helps with the community feel of the game and the comfort in letting younger kids stretch out, Reaume said.
“My favourite tiny humans are having the time of their lives, and I get to see folks in just a really fun setting.”
For younger fans Zach Jurkovic and Enzo Spataro, the night festivities guaranteed two things; hanging out with friends and watching their home hockey team play, “some really good hockey,”
The Grizzlies’ next home game is Friday, Jan. 9 when they welcome Kelowna to the Revelstoke Forum.
What did you think of this story?
Your feedback after we publish a story helps ensure we're always improving our reporting to better serve you
