What No Binghamton Devils Hockey Means To Me

Well, that didn't take long! The air coming out of my sails for 2021. On Monday, I mentioned that I was looking forward to the DICK'S Sporting Goods Open on July 4th weekend at En-Joie Golf Course.

Then on Monday afternoon, I got the news that felt like a punch to my gut. The Binghamton Devils season will begin in February (YEAH) but they are going to play their games in Newark, New Jersey (BOOOOOOO!!!!).

I heard rumors that it might happen but it still made me incredibly sad when it was announced. The reason for me is simple. No, not because I won't be doing Chuck-a-Puck this season, although I do LOVE hosting that event between the 2nd and 3rd periods.

It's sad for me because of all the awesome memories I have at the Binghamton Whalers/Rangers/Senators/Devils games. I think about last season when my daughter, Tara was hosting a French Exchange Student named Lucie. She had never been to a hockey game before and the look in her eyes when we got to the Arena is one I'll never forget.

I'll also never forget the look Lucie gave me when I asked her if she wanted to take a ride on the Zamboni. First, she asked me what a "Zamboni" was. I never expected that question and I felt like a UN delegate trying to explain it to her.

She was smiling from ear to ear for the rest of the night after her trip around the Arena ice. Another reason that I'm sad is because I won't be doing Chuck-a-Puck but not for the reason you may think.

Tara would assist me at many of the games and watching her dance on the ice is something that I'll never forget. We had a conversation in October and she remarked to me that she has a whole new appreciation for her time at the games.

She didn't realize how much she enjoyed it and was going to ask her friends to join her when the season started up this year. I didn't have the heart to tell her yesterday that the Devils won't be playing at the Visions Federal Credit Union Veterans Memorial Arena this season.

By the way, I wonder what Visions thinks about there being no hockey in Binghamton this year? Ok, that is a question for another day.

I know that no hockey here is a First World Problem for me in the grand scheme of things but it's sad nonetheless. As a friend told me yesterday, "COVID NEEDS TO GO AWAY" and I couldn't agree more.