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I'd like to make a suggestion, I have no idea if this is practical or not but here goes.

On the same basis that getting back on the ice is important for the players I'd suggest that getting back in the Arena is also important for the fans. Perhaps something like an open practice session with a "meet the players" afterwards so they can see and hear the support, it may be a very difficult emotional time but perhaps more helpful than in a competitive game environment. For those that believe in such things even a prayer session may help. I believe it will help for the fans most recent memory of the arena to be replaced by something better than they currently have. We could have some of the support organisations on site talking to those that need it.

For it to work it needs to be soon and I appreciate it might be a lot of work to organise but I do think a gentle re-introduction might be of benefit to many.

Just a suggestion, don't shoot me if you don't like it.

I guess from a player point of view, they wouldn't want to be asked the SAME question by loads of different people every time they stop for a selfie. Although we think we know the players, we aren't really friends and shouldn't be entitled to ask how they are feeling or what they saw.

Panthersfan wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 03, 2023 1:10 pm

I guess from a player point of view, they wouldn't want to be asked the SAME question by loads of different people every time they stop for a selfie. Although we think we know the players, we aren't really friends and shouldn't be entitled to ask how they are feeling or what they saw.

And yet hearing messages of support from many different people ?, any player involvement would need to be agreed with them beforehand.

I think the first game back could be a version of this, maybe a 15 min pre warm up light skate around the ice with just the guys with the fans down at the plexi that want to.. Etc then into warm up..

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mark wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 03, 2023 1:16 pm

Panthersfan wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 03, 2023 1:10 pm

I guess from a player point of view, they wouldn't want to be asked the SAME question by loads of different people every time they stop for a selfie. Although we think we know the players, we aren't really friends and shouldn't be entitled to ask how they are feeling or what they saw.

And yet hearing messages of support from many different people ?, any player involvement would need to be agreed with them beforehand.

messages of support can be relayed in different ways and don't have to be done face to face. Asking for a yet another selfie doesn't entitle you to ask how the player is or how they are feeling.

Like I said , the extent of any player involvement is decided beforehand.

I think an event such as this would be better as separate to a game night. The point that I believe Mark was making, was to allow people to 'dip their toe in the water' before a game night. This could help those fans who have been struggling over the past few days. I would limit it to only those people who were in attendance last Saturday, they have the option to come and meet up. Perhaps talking among other fans and staff will help. I don't think it should, or would become a photo opportunity with the players, the tone of the evening and the reason people would be there, would I'm sure, dictate that. I think it's a great idea Mark and I hope the players and staff think so too.

Hopefully when the time is right, and people get their first game back under their belt they will feel better within themselves being back amongst like minded people

A very good idea. How it would be managed etc would perhaps need to be thought about. Available ice etc.

I guess with the recent announcement of returning next weekend, this probably won’t be achieved now.

I would have liked to see a light session between Steelers and Panthers. Bit of a knockabout against each other. Not too sure how practical it would have been and, of course, irrelevant now. I thought it might also have helped fans to ease their way back. Everyone will have their own ideas on what's best I suppose and those thoughts will perhaps reflect what would suit their own transition