By Kory Brownlee
For only a short drive and a modest $10, Fitchburg State students can watch a professional hockey game. The Worcester Sharks play at the DCU Center in Worcester and their games have all the excitement, strategy and energy of a Bruins game without the high fees or long drive into Boston.
“Games are cheap and fun,” said Jeff Dustin, a Fitchburg State student and an employee at the DCU Center. “Ten bucks for a professional hockey game? You can’t beat it.”
The Sharks play within the American Hockey League and develop players for the San Jose Sharks. They also participate in the Calder Cup championship, the AHL’s equivalent to the Stanley Cup. Their competition consists of other AHL teams like the Providence Bruins, a development team for the Boston Bruins, and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
“The Worcester Sharks have the most time in the penalty box for fighting,” said Dustin. “You’re bound to see pure hockey with heart, hustle, and fights. In my mind it is worth the ticket price.”
The Worcester Sharks currently hold a 5-4-0 record and are fourth in their division.
Their next home game is Sunday, Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The Sharks’ home schedule for 2011 continues with a game Nov. 26 against the Portland Pirates, Dec. 2 against the Springfield Falcons, Dec. 3 against the Binghamton Senators, Dec. 21 against the Springfield Falcons, Dec. 28 against the Manchester Monarchs and Dec. 30 against the Connecticut Whale.
Tickets are available at the box office or they can be purchased in advance at ticketmaster.com.