Hockey Night in Rapid City

A few weeks ago, the UND Alumni Association sponsored gatherings across the country for UND hockey fans to meet up and watch the "rivalry" game between the Gophers and the Sioux. Twenty four hockey fans turned out in Rapid City--most of us didn't know each other, but we easily conversed over cold beers and the game. As the evening ended we agreed to meet again for another game. Last night, clad in Fighting Sioux attire, I joined a group of die-hard fans at Valley Sports Bar to watch the first WCHA playoff game. Although many of the same folks were there, some newcomers joined in the party. We sat around the tables, cold beer in hand, cheering at each and every goal. I sat back and took in the crowd--several groups of basketball fans cheering for their home girl's basketball teams, a few dart players and a rowdy group of hockey fans. UND students on spring break joined the (older than average) alumni to cheer on their team. We talked about the local hangouts, the drinking games of college, dorms and classrooms & even the Red Pepper! It occurred to me that there is a bit of magic in school spirit --sometimes it takes us back in time. How great is that?