Between the cannons, fireworks and “Heave Away,” the Halifax Thunderbirds say the game environment at the city’s Scotiabank Centre is unlike anything else in the National Lacrosse League.
“It’s the atmosphere in the nest, it’s different than everyone else in every other arena, and I love it and I love playing here,” said Graeme Hossack, defenseman and alternate captain for the Halifax Thunderbirds.
“Players who have never even played in Halifax know it’s different,” added Maki Jenner, communications manager and sideline reporter for the birds.
One of the major reasons is the fan base. The organization says Halifax welcomed the team with open arms and, now in their fifth season, they want to bring the first-ever playoff game to the nest.
“It’s the last home game of the season. We want to make sure that it isn’t the last home game of the season,” said Halifax Thunderbirds forward Clarke Petterson.
Saturday’s game will be fan appreciation night to recognize the people who make the arena loud and proud. With lots of giveaways and prizes to be won, the organization wants fans to know they are an extension of the team.
“The crowd can really carry you, it’s that energy you get, you don’t feel as tired,” said Hossack.
“It really supports you, makes you play a little bit better.”
For superfans like Isaac Crossman, being there for the team makes him feel a part of the community.
“People from like Halifax down to Alberta to Newfoundland to like Sweden, be like, oh my gosh, that guy looks like he’s having the time of his life,” said Crossman. “Which is true, I am having the time of my life.”
Crossman dresses up and sits behind the goal at every game. The boys on the floor say having fans like that cheering them on provides some added motivation.
“You see people in the NFL doing that all the time, right? The Raiders fans that are getting dressed up, the Lions fans that are wearing the Lions, you know, costume and stuff like that,” said Petterson.
“So that’s just all in, buying in, and makes us feel like the big three leagues.”
“It allows us to play that little bit harder and it shows that people are having fun,” added Hossack.
“It makes it fun to play for them.”
Learning of the players’ appreciation, Crossman said he needs to bring 30 times the energy to equal what the team has given him.
“I’m very humbled. I mean, seriously, like, this is what I love doing,” he told CTV News.
Both Hossack and Petterson are heavily involved in the community, participating in School Day programs teaching lacrosse to kids, meet-and-greets, and community events. When the faces in the crowd know the players behind the helmets, the Thunderbirds say it makes game day more meaningful.
“I do a lot of work in the community … I get kind of a face-to-face interaction with a lot of fans as well,” said Clarke, who moved to Halifax from Ontario to take part in more community initiatives.
“I see fans and they talk to me in the airport or see me on the street all the time and just ask questions and it’s actually a pretty cool experience,” said Hossack.
There have been three games this season with over 10,000 fans in attendance, and Saturday’s is on pace for the same.
“What the fans bring is energy, and passion and knowledge to get on their feet and cheer, or boo, or whatever it may be, and it’s ultimately what brings another level out of the guys,” added Jenner.
For fans like Crossman, it’s all worth the hype, every night.
“I want people to enjoy going to see these games. I want them to have the time of their life. To me, that’s the most important thing. Whether we lose or win, come out, have fun. That’s what we’re here for.”
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