Hockey attendance record eyed ‘Fill the Alfond’ event to feature Bangor, Brewer squads

BANGOR – The coach of Bangor High School’s hockey team is calling upon the region’s hockey fans and others to help set an attendance record next week during a game between the Rams and archrival Brewer High School.

Attendees can cheer for either team or both, Bangor coach Dan Kerluke said Friday. All he’s asking is that they show up in large numbers.

The “Fill the Alfond” event, scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Alfond Arena on the University of Maine campus in Orono, is an attempt to set a state record for highest attendance at a high school hockey game.

“It’s an amazing experience,” Kerluke said of playing on the Alfond ice. He ought to know. A native of Brampton, Ontario, Kerluke was a UM hockey standout and assistant captain during his college career, from 1997 through 2001.

Alfond Arena seats more than 5,600 for ice hockey. According to Kerluke, at least 3,100 fans need to attend to set a record. The challenge might be a tough one, given that the Eastern Maine high school basketball tournament action under wayat the Bangor Auditorium.

Tuesday’s event also will put some special guests in the spotlight. Kerluke said mite-level hockey players, ages 4 and 5, will take to the ice during half time.

As an incentive for arriving early, free T-shirts will be given to the first 800 fans to show up, Kerluke said. There also are 700 thunder sticks to give away.

Attendees also can buy tickets for two autographed UM men’s hockey jerseys that will be raffled off that evening.

In addition, Kerluke said admission is free to all hockey players who wear their team jerseys to the game.