Sold out Civic Center greets Maineiacs
LEWISTON – Some of the paint was still tacky, and some of the work to renovate the arena has yet to be finished, but to most people funneling through the bright blue front doors of the Central Maine Civic Center on Friday night it didn’t matter.
“The way the building feels, it reminds me of when the building opened the first time,” said Maineiacs fan Marcel Bilodeau. “The old Country Kitchen Bakery league used to play here and it was wild.”
Joining the 3,000-plus fans were several local and state dignitaries, including Mayors Larry Raymond of Lewiston and Norm Guay of Auburn, and Gov. John Baldacci. All three men were on the ice to thank local residents for their involvement in bringing the team to the area and, ultimately, for making the venture a success.
Also joining officials on the ice to drop the first puck was former Bruins defenseman Ray Bourque, who has expressed interest in bringing another team from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to the United States.
From the beginning of the night, when fans started pouring in through the doors, Central Maine Civic Center officials couldn’t help but smile.
“The adrenaline is just pumping,” said Georgette Richard. “We’ve been waiting for this for so long, and to have it already here is just amazing. You can feel the excitement in the air.”
Also among the crowd for the inaugural game was team owner Mark Just, who repeatedly apologized for getting lost in the crowd.
“I’m sorry I’m not paying better attention,” Just said. “I am lost with all these people. I am so happy to see all of the smiles on all of the faces.”
As game time approached, Just shook dozens of hands, accepting many thanks from patrons seemingly delighted to have hockey back in Lewiston.
“I don’t know how many times I’ve had people come up to me to thank me,” he said. “This is truly amazing to see.”
Just faded into the crowd until the center-ice ceremony. Meanwhile, fans began to take their seats. Many bought programs and popcorn and settled in for the first game of a 35-game home schedule.
My son has played hockey since he was 5, and he is 12 years old now,” said Donna Obie. “It was a very dark building before. The biggest difference is how much lighter it is now.”
While several seats in the lower bowl of the arena remained empty, all of the seats were sold, and fans were excited to welcome the team.
“We’re all happy the team is here,” said Obie of her fellow hockey parents. “This is an exciting thing for the community, and it’s just a fun thing to do.”
Comments are no longer available on this story