Part 2 of CT Whale Bowl 2011

Today's 2nd event of the CT Whale Bowl is a Legend's Game between Hartford Whalers Alumni and Boston Bruin Alumni. Some of the more famous alumni to come out and play in today's game are Bob Crawford, Wayne and Dave Babych, Mark Janssens, and Paul MacDermid from the Whalers. Representing the Bruins Alumni are Reggie Lemelin, Ken Linseman, Craig Janney, Rick Middleton, and Bob Sweeney just to name a few.
This game had a fun atmosphere from the very start. The head referee was mic'd up and was cracking jokes with the players and the Public Address announcer. The mascots for both team were running through the stands to get fans more involved and also banged on the glass to try and instigate some of the players as well. Before the game, there was a ceremonial puck drop at center ice in rememberance of the players that could not be here today.
The game was played under two 25 minute periods (running time) and right from the get-go, it was an offensive showcase for both teams. Granted, none of the players were moving as fast as they could 20+ years ago, but most demonstrated that they can still skate and handle the puck. In the first of two periods, the Whalers Alumni took a 3-2 lead.
After a short intermission of Whale Ice Girls skating routine and mascot skating, the 2nd period got underway. The Hanson Brothers (1977 film "Slap Shot") made an appearance as Dave, Jeff, and Steve started on the ice for the Whalers, but did not stay long. For comic relief, Dave threw the official to the ground before puck drop and when the other referee's tried to intervene, the other Hanson brothers tossed them to the ground as well. All three were thrown in the penalty box and charged five minutes for molesting the referees.
The rest of the period played out pretty quickly as the Hanson Brothers would find themselves goofing around on the ice, cracking jokes with the referee, and spending more time in the penalty box. The final score ended up being 4-4, but for all those who were involved in the game or were here to witness it, it was a great event precursor to tonight's main event.