Who Let the Dogs Out?

Kelli McRobert | Oct 11, 2023

This weekend there was a lot of action to catch locally. One was the Bubba Bowl in Sydenham, as teams battled it out on the field in football, and the other was at the Frontenac Arena, where avid hockey fans watched the Frontenac Phantoms take on the Deseronto Bulldogs.

As you approached the arena, you could see that the parking lot was packed, not a spot to be found, and we even had to park along the driveway to avoid having to walk those extra few feet. Once inside there was a sense of anticipation of what awaited just past the main doors. A friendly gal greeted us and explained who was playing and a few other housekeeping items like where the change rooms, washrooms and food stand was. We appreciated the play on words with the ‘Breakaway’ offering finger foods to sustain us between periods.

It was interesting to note that those gathered were from all walks of life. Families with young children sat eagerly watching as the action unfolded. Small babies slept all bundled up, apparently unaware of the excitement occurring on the ice. Young and old cheered on their favourite team and supported friends, family, and loved ones as they battled it out on glistening ice. Many were self proclaimed ‘groupies’ and they could tell you who scored when, where, and how in great detail. I milled about the crowd and started to get a feel as to which set of seats held the Bulldog fans, and those that were supporting our home boys from Frontenac. The 20 and Up Senior A’s (Phantoms) were playing, and the game was fast, fresh, and it was exciting to see a successful pass that slid with accuracy across the crisp ice. ‘Slap’, as a shot was made, and occasionally missed, as the crowd would hold their breath and exhale in unison…’ooh, just missed’.

Many were bundled up as the heat was not on and the weather has been so sporadic that if turned on, the heat would mess up the ice and make it soft and slow. I sat with a lovely couple (husband and wife) who were celebrating over 55 years of marriage. They were seated comfortably and were able to explain to me some of the nuances of both the game and how to make the perfect seat warmer with a few pieces of old carpet ‘samples’. Obviously, frequent flyers, as they knew to bundle up, bring a blanket, and plan for creative ways to keep your tushy comfy during the events. They explained that they travel to various locations to cheer them on, and it makes for a fun evening out (perhaps the secret behind over 50 years of marriage?).

On the ice, the Frontenac Phantoms were in tough from the start against the Deseronto Bulldogs. After winning their first game of the season, the Phantoms had lost their next 3, and the Bulldogs arrived in Piccadilly with a 1-1 record. Both teams had already taken on the Tweed Oil Kings this season, with the Bulldogs winning 9-5 and the Phantoms losing by a score of 6-4.

By the end of the first period, the Bulldogs were up by 2 to nothing.

Between periods groups gathered outside for some ‘fresh air’ while others chose to head upstairs for a quick snack and a drink before heading back to see how the battle would end.

As the announcer revved up the crowd, music filled in as teams launched out and in from the players boxes. There is an energized buzz about the game, as both teams raced back and forth across the ice. I have fond memories of the original Hockey Night in Canada theme, what some say is ‘Canada’s unofficial second national anthem’ - if Wikipedia is to be trusted.

Even though it has been replaced in NHL broadcasts, it is nice to see it continuing locally and being fully supported by the community. A highlight of the game came when Phantoms defenceman. Adam Smith scored the first Phantom goal. A high stick to the face did not stop him as he rushed the net, bleeding and bruised: slap, woosh, GOAL! The Phantoms were finally on the board! The crowd cheered, and the game continues.

Even as the timer started to count down, the score now 6-2 for the Bulldogs, fans were still cheering for both teams.

Dolores Claman, who wrote the Hockey Theme, would be pleased by the energy in Piccadilly this past weekend!

And Adam, well, he has a great story to tell, if any one asks “hey, what happened to your face”?