(BRIDGEPORT, CT / The Journal) — As part of the 17th annual "Cool Fun 101" event presented by IBEW Local 488 and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Webster Bank Arena was filled to the brim with not just fans of the home team, but with 50+ local schools and youth groups also cheering on their hometown heroes. This wasn't just any home game, either. This was the state's largest city, and one of the largest community events of the year. They represented well on the ice with their very own Bridgeport Sound Tigers, who were up against one of the American Hockey League's newer teams: the Springfield Thunderbirds. If one saw some empty patches of seats throughout Webster Bank Arena, they would have under-estimated the turnout of people so early in the morning. According to their official post-game report on their website, total attendance amounted to 6,327 fans. Students from the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy community were in that packed arena, alongside Ms. Conrad (ENL), Ms. DeSimone (ELA / Social Studies), and Coach Brogan.
While the bus was crowded and left a bit later than usual, the group took their seats atop Section 114 just in time for puck drop. They had missed on a few pre-game events: first, a short seminar about careers in sports, with local industry professionals; and second, a college expo of sorts, with Sacred Heart University and Southern Connecticut State University admissions officers trying to court middle and high school students with information desks. This would end up with quite possibly the weirdest thing for a community shout-out, as when Bridgeport PA announcer Alan Longley took to the mic during second period to welcome the schools and other groups, there was no mention of the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy. It would take the willpower of a few students and the rage of one of them to make it up to the booth at the other end of the arena to speak with Longley. The first try wasn't so successful, with the reply being "Thanks, but he can't be bothered right now." About ten to fifteen minutes later, Longley took to the mic to quickly apologize, while the Jumbotron graphics did not change at all. While that did give the New Yorkers some credit, it was not the 15 minutes of fame that other schools had. At least it's something.
For more on the game, check out our quick recap:
We do have word that Coach Brogan of the Phys. Ed. department is looking to have another field trip like this on December 11th, as the Westchester Knicks go out to NYCB Live / Nassau Coliseum for an 11:00 am game against the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League. No word yet on pricing information.
The next Bridgeport Sound Tigers game is another home game at Webster Bank Arena on Saturday night, November 9th, at 7:00 pm against the Providence Bruins. Their last game versus the Bruins was October 22nd, also at home, where they lost 4-0.
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