Last night I attended my first hockey game with my favorite Wings super-fan, Jessica. I have to say, hockey is much better live. Our seats were way up in the rafters (note the wall behind us), but I could still see and hear everything.

I printed two copies of our tickets because it was Red Wings ornament night. We scooted by the table before the first period and got ornament number one. After the second period we went back to the other side of the table, carefully avoiding eye contact with the ticket takers, and each got ornament number two.

It was also dollar pretzel night and I’m wishing now that I had bought more than one! Walking all the way down the steep stairs and back up during 1/3 and 2/3 time (yes I call it that, intermission is for movies!) gave my legs quite a workout.

The game was awesome and the Wings won! I wish there had been a fight…maybe next time.

On our way out, slowly moving in a mass of fans, Jessica realized her car keys had disappeared. After searching her purse we headed back through the crowd with lots of people telling us we were going in the wrong direction and the game was over.

We slid through the exit and told the guard we were looking for lost keys. Apparently we picked the right door because someone had turned them in to him (YAY!!) and he took us to pick them up.

At the info booth, they also happened to be giving out ornaments, so Jessica, being the sneaky lady she is, asked if she could have an extra one for her dad. They said they couldn’t give out any extras, so we thanked Anthony The Key-Finder and headed back outside. Not a minute later one of the guys that was working the booth ran over to Jessica and handed her an ornament. SCORE!

When we finally made it through the crowd, up six flights to the top of the parking garage, I had to take a few pictures because the view was great. I could see the Ambassador Bridge, the river, Canada, and the RenCen.

I have to say I was impressed, Wings fans are really fantastic. Not only does almost everyone show up in red and white, they’re really paying attention to the game the entire time. At the Pistons game people would cheer for a basket, but at the Joe everyone cheers when the puck is turned over or boos when one of our players is sent to the penalty box. You can tell people love the Wings and are completely engaged.

Jessica and I also realized there was no need for dudes that night, we had an amazing lady date all by ourselves!