NHL Game At 1st Mariner Could Mean More Hockey In Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ)— A major league hockey game is coming to Baltimore. The Washington Capitals take on Nashville on Tuesday night.
Adam May explains why the game is a test of sorts.
"So far we're passing the money test," said Frank Remesch, 1st Mariner Arena general manager. "Only a couple hundred tickets left. If everything else goes well, we could see more hockey in Baltimore."
From the Clippers to the Skipjacks, Baltimore's been home to a handful of minor league hockey teams from the 60s to the 90s. Now the acrylic barrier is coming out of storage at First Mariner for a one day return.
"I was here back when we had the Skipjacks. We brought in 9,000 people back then," Remesch said.
He says it's good to see the ice back in the arena.
The arena's general manager is excited for Tuesday's NHL preseason game, featuring the Washington Capitals. It's the team's first visit to Baltimore.
"We know Baltimore has a long history of professional hockey. We look forward to extending that history," said George McPhee, Capitals general manager.
"It should be the enthusiasm a Ravens game has," Remesch added.
But before the fast skating and slap shots, the rink has to be perfect. The arena tested the major transformation.
"The game has to go off without a hitch," Remesch said. "If it does, two weeks from now we'll probably announce another game. If it doesn't . . ."
It could be a long time until the sport tries another return.
There's been a lot of talk about building a new arena for a minor league hockey team. So far, it's all talk.
The coach of the Capitals has been here before. He played for the Skipjacks in the 1980s.
