Beneath the Elms: Beast of New Haven

By Alison Morris

Mediocre hockey teams have a history of making up for their play in strange ways. The New York Islanders, the National Hockey League's premier mediocre team of the '90s, have tried everything from hiring new coaches to dismantling the team to hosting interactive events--all with the hope of increasing support for a team that's, well, mediocre.

In the American Hockey League (AHL), the New Haven Beast is following suit. With a 24-25-3 record and 55 points, the Beast holds third place in perhaps the most competitive division of the AHL. But with 27 games left, hovering slightly below the .500 mark isn't ideal for any team looking for a championship. With the Carolina Hurricane's (NHL) recall of the team's most talented winger, Shane Willis, on Fri., Feb. 5, the team lost its leading scorer and has posted a 1-4 record in the meantime. Ten days later, the Florida Panthers (NHL) recalled defenseman Patrick Ratchuk and goaltender Todd MacDonald. Now Beast fans are starting to wonder if there will be enough talent to make it to the end of the season.

But such are the ups and downs of the AHL. As a league devoted to prepping many players headed for the NHL, the AHL has a better revolving door than the Omni, with players constantly on the go to make up for NHL injuries, inconsistencies, and insecurities. So what do AHL teams do when they're playing badly, drawing subpar crowds, and missing their top talent? They follow the Islanders' example and mask their inadequacies with publicity bonanzas.

In that spirit, Beast President and General Manager David Gregory announced on Wed., Feb. 10, the team's plans to develop the Greater New Haven Hockey Hall of Fame. Although there won't be any inductions this season, the first-ever Hall of Fame Game will take place at the Coliseum on Fri., Feb 19. In honor of the tradition of AHL hockey in New Haven, both the Beast and the Portland Pirates will sport throwback jerseys from their ancestors, the New Haven Nighthawks and the Maine Mariners. The game will feature raffles, jersey giveaways, and a ceremony in honor of the Hall. Gregory said, "The Greater New Haven Hockey Hall of Fame will get a chance to pay tribute to famous names as well as some individuals who might not get the credit they deserve."

Although the Hall is a good idea, recognizing an institution a year before it inducts any members may be a ploy to get fans to cheer through the end of a forgettable season. On the other hand, with enough time still remaining to blaze a trail of glory, the Hall's birth could be just the inspiration the Beast needs to make this a season a success.

Beast logo graphic courtesy of www.beastofnewhaven.com.

Back to Sports...