Support The Devil

Not a line that parents love to have their children hear, but in this case it is a decision that students and hockey fans will regret if they do not do. Despite being in the midst of a playoff hunt with just a few games remaining, the Lowell Devils are not receiving the support from fans that other teams in the American Hockey League are.

As of the beginning of April, the Lowell Devils are in a four team battle for two playoff spots. They are three points out of a playoff spot, and five points away from third in the Atlantic Division. Despite the thrill of the push for the playoffs it is not bringing in more fans.


The Devils sit last in the American Hockey League in attendance. They are the only team in the American Hockey League yet to reach 100,000 fans all season. The Devils average 822 less fans then the second lowest, the Quad City Flames. Even in the midst of the playoff push the Devils saw 2,017 fans show up for Friday night's game against Portland, 150 less then their season average of 2,167.

It is clear that there are hockey fans around as UMass Lowell's attendance average went up to 4,404 fans a game this season. Although students can not get into games for free the prices for a game with a student ID are only $15. Still not an unreasonable price for the college student with a passion for hockey.

Fans should not take the team for granted and assume they will always be there. A similar situation took place in Worcester. After attendance declined, the Worcester Ice Cats were sold and moved to Peoria. The incident left many fans wishing they were more supportive of their local team.

"It was upsetting when the Ice Cats left," said Tony Bellizzi. "Not only was it something to do, but they were always entertaining."

The fans of Worcester were given a new team, the Worcester Sharks, a couple years later. Despite that fans still miss their former team.

"Although it is nice to have the Sharks, it is just not the same," said Ryan McPherson. "My memories are growing up watching the Ice Cats, and it still feels weird to not see them around."

Worcester was also lucky to get a different team. Many cities once they lose a team have a diffcult time of convincing another team to move their. Which is why fans are encouraged to support the Devils not just this season, but the following years. Because the sad truth is there is no guarantee that a local team is going to stay forever.