Last spring I approached the Senators with a new twist in how I announced goals at Scotiabank Place. Given the hang time on a Dany Heatley goal call I thought, wouldn't it be neat if I just say his first name and 20,000 fans say Heeeeeeaaatley.
After a long off season, we got the approval and tried it at the home opener against Detroit.
It bombed....failed...just plain stunk.
We ran a pre-taped intro prior to the game, where I gave the instruction on what to do and most...no, all in attendance looked up and gave the old "whatever" and we went on with the game.
Fast forward a week later and we tried a live shot from the pressbox where I did a mock goal call with the crowd and gave the simple instruction that when Ottawa scores, you do the players last name with me when I announce the goal.
Jarkko Ruutu scored twice that night and the capacity crowd yells out Ruuuuuuuuutuuuu!
I have to admit even I was surprised the Scotiabank Place crowd took to it quicker then I expected. Sure, some fans don't want to be told what to do at a hockey game, but this is something that could add to the experience of seeing a Sens game (especially when a big rival comes to town like Montreal or Toronto).
So whether you're a season ticket holder and have to listen to me yap all year or just making it to one game this year, yell out the Sens players last name with me and let's shake the stigma that fans in Ottawa aren't a good crowd.
