Huntsville Havoc Hockey: Boxing on Ice in Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama is known as the hockey capital of the south. You might be surprised to find two championship-winning teams in a small southern city, but we proudly boast both the UAH Chargers, and a minor league team, the Huntsville Havoc. If you live in the Huntsville area, and have never attended a Havoc game, this is the season to go -- the Havoc got off to a great start winning last Saturday's season home opener against the Knoxville Ice Bears six to four.

Also, if you have never attended a minor league hockey game, and you enjoy other contact sports such as football, wrestling, or boxing, watching Havoc hockey just might become your new favorite pastime. The games combine the competition of two teams trying to score the highest number of goals with plenty of fights in between. Unlike major league hockey, the referees allow the players to vent their aggressions on opposing team members -- a push, a shove, an angry look, and the gloves come off. These impromptu boxing (and sometimes wrestling) matches can last up to a couple of minutes, while the fans cheer wildly for their man as he grabs the opponent's jersey with one hand and punches with the other...or boo as he sinks under a flurry of fists (although the Havoc are experienced fighters, and rarely lose). Where else can you see fast-paced game play, exciting goal-scoring, and amateur boxing, all rolled into one?

And unlike major league hockey, the Havoc team members are accessible to the fans. After the games, the kids can line up outside the locker room exit and get their hats and jerseys signed by the players. The Havoc conducts "meet and greet" sessions so the community has a chance to interact with the team, and get to know them by name.

Havoc hockey is a great outing for the family, but it might be a good idea to leave young children and infants at home. The stands are noisy and crowded, and the violence on the ice may not be something parents want their little ones to see. But for the kids who do come (and the adults as well), there is a lot to see and do, such as the he "chuck-a-puck" after the second period where hundreds of fans attempt to throw rubber pucks into a bucket in the center of the ice to win a prize.

The Huntsville Havoc is not just about fights and fans - it is also about talented players and great hockey. Our city has a long tradition of championship teams and the Havoc are looking to add one more banner to the wall in the Von Braun Center arena; if the first home game was any clue to how they'll do this season, fans will be in for an exciting time.