------

We lived in Dresden Germany for two years, and knew that there was a local team - but were just not that motivated to see them. There was a Canadian player on the team, who had kids at the same school, and he mentioned that he was one of those bruising type defensemen - but that you couldn't hit in this league! He wasn't quite sure what he was supposed to do... After we heard that, our desire to see a game was really low. However, feeling the itch for anything hockey - I finally decided to take the girls to see the Eisloewen's.

Right off the bat, we knew it was going to be different. They basically had the equivalent of what we might call 'tailgating', but it wasn't in the parking lot - it was in front of the arena. A number of beer and bratwurst stalls - and happy customers - surrounded the opening, concealing the ticket counters. It was so crowded, I was just about ready to go home because we couldn't figure out where to buy the tickets! But the girls wouldn't let me... Finally found our way, bought our tickets and headed inside. The tickets didn't have seat information, so we weren't exactly sure what to do... We did our best to fit in, so bought a couple of pretzels, some hot cider and a nice big beer and went for the seats.

There was absolutely no one inside. And no seats - just benches, going about 20-30 rows back on our side, while the other had maybe 10 rows and were mostly 'boxes'. Place probably held a few thousand, so close to a major junior sized arena I suppose... Since we had our choice of seats, we snagged front row and watched the players warm up.

A big siren went off - which I guess meant to everyone else that it was just about time to get started, as people started to pour in... Our front row seats went from great to crap as apparently they're able to stand at the boards and smoke! The house lights went off, and a big rock'n'roll entry show with screaming announcer, cheerleaders (of all things), entry lights...the whole ball of wax to introduce the teams to the ice. And in the stands - they were lighting off fireworks and flares! Not exactly what we would expect going to a game in Canada, and it through me a little off guard.

The smoke from the flares hung over the ice, as it had nowhere to go in the building that was maybe 3-4 stories high... The players had to carve their way through a fog through to the end of the second period before it started to clear!

Don't believe me? See for yourself!

The action was like watching a rec league game - without hitting... 90% of the 'action' was one man rushes and the odd shot. Even more infrequent, was the passing. And the passing was so poor - I could see why they didn't bother...

After the first period ended, I had no interest in sticking around to watch more - but at that point, I was there for the experience.

I look back on it, and shake my head at the very strange combination of cultural habits that was on display that night. On one hand, the fireworks going off indoors - seemed very unsafe and disorderly for the Germans - but I do know they love their fireworks... (a story for another time). On the other hand, the absolute spotlessness of the floors and seating - given they were smoking, eating, drinking...etc. everything that was brought into the arena was brought out and disposed of in an orderly fashion. Now that's the Germany I know...

So, after witnessing this strange dichotomy for an entire two periods - as well as the generally poor showing on the ice - the girls and I had had enough - and went home... never to return.

Was interesting enough though - once ;-)