Western Washington University’s men’s club ice hockey team will host a Pitbull-themed game filled with bald caps and goatees at Bellingham’s Sportsplex Arena when the Vikings face the University of Idaho Vandals this Friday at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress like Pitbull and wear bald caps, which are to be available to purchase at the entrance.
Western students who show their student IDs receive tickets for $5, while general admission is $8. “Mr. Worldwide” themed participants will have a $5 discount ticket.
The team encourages fans to dress head-to-toe in Pitbull attire, such as suits, bald caps, sunglasses and goatees. A variety of Pitbull songs from “Fireball” to “Give Me Everything” will blare throughout the Arena.
The Vikings, with a 1-5 record, have had a challenging season but hope to turn it around through upcoming games against the Vandals.
“A lot of players have been getting injured or having situations where they can't make it to games, so we are short on players. We have to figure out what to do and rotate guys around. It’s been hard,” said junior forward Bret Brumbaugh.
Despite the lack of wins, head coach Adam Segaar has appreciated the unity this team has shown throughout the season.
“The team environment this year is probably unlike anything I have had before and something I have dreamed I could build as a coach… they literally lift each other up and are always together,” Segaar said.
The current Vikings team features 16 rookies who are still trying to find their way amongst the club.
“I think they are adjusting really well. I think it's been great for them to have instant friends when they get to Western,” Brumbaugh said.
Viking spirit has echoed through the walls of the Arena this season. Fans of all ages gather to watch the team play their games, especially for themed events.
“It’s a little bit hard to hear when playing but I’ve heard chants go on and that’s really cool to experience,” Brumbaugh said.
Darcy Hay is a Western junior and marketing director/club president for Western hockey. Not only does he plan events and run the social media but he’s also a player for the team.“I wanted to do something similar to Taylor Swift night but with an artist more people can engage with,” Hay said.
Other unique themed events have been put on by the hockey team in the past, from Taylor Swift night last season, pajama night, blue the barn and many more.
“I think it gives the under-21 community something to do on a Friday night. They can’t go to bars, parties are kinda lame and Bellingham doesn’t have too much to do below 21,” Hay said.
Friday and Saturday home games are high-energy activities for students to attend with their peers, all while dancing and singing to a variety of pop tunes.
On Saturday, the team will host another game against the Vandals for a pajama-themed night. On Nov. 15, the Vikings will play at home against San Jose State with a Taylor Swift theme. More information about future events is featured on the club’s Instagram.
“It’s always good vibes… the fans are really what make us who we are. That’s what makes our program,” said Segaar.
Darcy Hay battles an opposing player on Oct. 6, 2024, at Bellingham Sportsplex Arena. The Vikings went on to lose 2-7 against the University of Washington. // Photo by Natalie Ballard
Vikings and Cougars players fight for the puck on Oct. 19, 2024, at Bellingham Sportsplex Arena. The game against Washington State University was a difficult back-and-forth game for the Vikings who are 1-5. // Photo by Natalie Ballard
Jackie Hopkins (she/her) is a Sports and Recreation reporter for The Front. She is a junior studying communications with a minor in public relations journalism. In her free time, she enjoys reading, working out and spending time with her friends. You can reach her at jackiehopkins.thefront@gmail.com.
