Video courtesy of Utica Comets
Heroes Welcome Home for Utica Comets After Clinching top Seed in the AHL West
By Jay Flemma, Special to Facewash Magazine
UTICA, NY – Sirens wailed, strobe lights flashed, and an entire city gave a collective cheer of joy as the Utica Comets returned home owners of the top seed in the AHL Western Conference and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Police convoy escorting them all the way from the Thruway exit, the triumphant Comets were greeted by a crowd of about 250 delirious fans who cheered, sang, waved signs, high-fived, mugged for photo ops, and otherwise celebrated the city’s first AHL playoff berth and division title and since the Utica Devils in 1993.
“This is so fantastic. Everything they’ve done to energize this city has been amazing,” gushed season ticket holder and Comets fan Ashley Luce, who traveled from Rome on a moment’s notice when she heard about the impromptu get together. “Look how much fun they are having,” she asked, pointing to Hunter Shinkaruk and Darren Archibald, who were both beaming and waving their arms to further exalt the crowd.
“It’s just like in games,” she continued. “They get us excited with a great goal or a glass-rattling hit, and they love when we go nuts cheering for them.”
“Going nuts” in this case was a greatest hits collection of Comets fans’ favorite cheers, with one poignant addition: “CAL-DER CUP! CAL-DER CUP!” joined “Let’s go Comets” and “U-TI-CA!” as the fans serenaded the team bus.
“This is so cool!” whooped Shinkaruk, pie-eyed with delight as he threw open his arms, letting we wave of adoration wash over him, much like Adam Scott did at the 2013 Masters, mugging for the cameras in his Green Jacket. “I’ve never been part of anything like this before. We’ve seen it all year what this city gives us, night after night. But tonight, getting off that bus and seeing this, this late at night, this is s scene I’ll remember the rest of my life, no doubt about it. Thank you!”
Utica will open the playoffs against either the Chicago Wolves or Toronto Marlies, who play each other tonight to determine the 7th and 8th seeds in the Western Conference. Grand Rapids will tangle with the winner of that game, while the loser faces the Comets. In other Western Conference playoff tilts, the San Antonio Rampage square off against sinking division rival Oklahoma City. The Rockford Ice Hogs will face the Texas Stars. All first round series are best-of-5. All other series are best-of-seven.
