Only seen one hockey game in my life (although with a lifelong Rangers fan), but these threads are very interesting.
Thanks
Back in the 70s, when the Islanders were an expansion team, season tickets were cheap. That is when I was first introduced to hockey and was immediately hooked. The Isles were still establishing themselves and attendance at games was sparse. Not surprisingly, a rivalry was quickly formed between the NY Rangers and the Islanders. In the 1979-80 season, one game between the two teams stands out.
Always looking for sponsors to grow attendance, the Islanders contracted with Burger King to offer "free chili" if the team scored 3 goals. On November 13, 1979, the Rangers and Islanders met at the Nassau Coliseum. The Islanders were in fine form that night and when they scored their third goal, the sign lit up with a graphic image of a steaming bowl of chili and the words 'Free Chili' below it. Everyone cheered! As the game progressed, the team scored a 4th, then a 5th goal. An announcement was made - "if the Islanders score another goal, Burger King will double their offer. Minutes later, the Islanders scored a 6th goal against the Rangers and the scoreboard lit up with two steaming bowls of chili. As I recall, the Rangers filed a protest but it was disregarded.
Hockey is a wonderful sport - fast paced and carefully orchestrated. In last night's Western Conference playoff, the Vancouver Canouks were down 1 and scored 2 goals against the San Jose Lightening in the span of 38 seconds. Playoff hockey is an opportunity to watch the best of the best. It is sheer entertainment from beginning to end. Enjoy tonight's game!