Going to the Game

In Thunder Bay, catching a Thunderwolves game is one of the top attractions. Every week or so, people from all around the area flock to the Fort William Gardens to support the men's hockey team against any challengers. Despite growing up in this charming little town, I had only ever attended one game, back when I was seven years old. What's more, I confess I'm not a follower of hockey at all and know very, very little about the sport.

Considering these factors and the limited options for entertainment as a student in this city, I believe my perspective could be valuable for students not from Thunder Bay and others unfamiliar with hockey or attending Thunderwolves games for the first time. Thus, I went online and purchased tickets to a Friday night game (at a student discount) and prepared for the experience. 

Friday night arrived, and I found myself driving to the Fort William Gardens. Right away, I noted the sparse parking situation. I spent about eight minutes circling around in search of a spot. 

Note to self: if you're driving, carpool and arrive early to secure a good spot. After finally parking and walking a few blocks over, a friendly security guard scanned my phone, and I entered the stadium. 

Now, this isn't a sports article per se; we won't be discussing scores or statistics. 

Instead, let's delve into the experience of attending a hockey game. Despite my lack of hockey knowledge, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Wolves play. The game was fast-paced, easy to follow, and filled with fierce competition that was very entertaining, even for someone like me. Throughout the game, I found myself engaged and having the most fun I've had in Thunder Bay in a while, surprising even myself as a non-hockey fan.

Photo credit: Lakehead University Thunderwolves Hockey Facebook

After the game concluded (with the Wolves emerging victorious), I made my way back to my car, still awestruck by the experience. It's easy to dismiss activities that don't align with your usual interests. However, through writing this article, I tried something new and developed a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasure of attending a hockey game. So, if you're a student like me who's never been to the Gardens for a game, consider this your sign to buy tickets, bring along some friends, and step out of your comfort zone. I promise you won't regret it.