Feb 23, 2016
As any good fan would be, Lyndsey was giddy in anticipation on game day. Entrust staff helped to reduce her anxiousness by creating a visual countdown tool. This countdown allowed her to check off the last 7 hours before the game began. We wonder if Taylor Hall, the former Oilers left winger, has a similar game countdown process?
Lyndsey and her Entrust mentor arrived early to find their seat. They watched as throngs of fans donning blue and orange poured into the stadium. Lyndsey instantly loved the energy of the arena atmosphere. She began to ask who a few of the players were as they warmed up on the ice during pre-game practice. When the game started she was ecstatic to see the Oilers fight hard and score a few goals on the Wild in the first period.
She kept her cool when the Wild later benefitted from a power play and scored more goals. Lyndsey was friendly with other fans around her seating area. She fed off their energy and learned to cheer along "Let's go Oilers!" Lyndsey was kind enough to stand up every time someone in her row needed to shuffle through for concessions or restroom breaks. Lyndsey enjoyed all the fun and activities in between periods. She participated in a wave with the crowd. She explored the concourse areas of Rogers Place. She watched the crowd shootout competition and the zamboni resurface the ice between periods.
Lyndsey cheered for her team continuously and never ceased to smile throughout the entire game. When the game finished Lyndsey expressed her appreciation for being able to experience such an amazing night. As she left the arena with her Entrust mentor, she continued to cheer for her team. She recounted the details of the night's highlights.
For Lyndsey, the hockey game was a lot more than an entertaining night out. At the hockey game she was able to fully participate in the fan experience. She could socialize with other Edmonton Oilers supporters. She felt included in all the aspects of being a part of a crowd at a sporting event. This NHL experience provided Lyndsey with authentic community engagement and social participation.
