The initial impressions of hockey in the Williamsport area all seemed to be positive.
Williamsport's opening night, which featured a live band performing throughout the game, saw a packed Airmen Pond at Historic Bowman Field as the Outlaws opened their defense of the FHL's Commissioner's Cup against the Dayton Demonz.
In near-perfect weather - which could have been a little colder for the ice - the atmosphere in Bowman was electric as nearly every seat was filled.
But, as good as the opening night crowd was, the Outlaws just couldn't deliver a win for the fans as Dayton scored four unanswered goals to take the home-opener, 5-2.
"So far so good," said Wayne Swinehart, who traveled across the bridge from South Williamsport. "I like a lot of things about these guys. I'd like to see a little better outcome on their first night. For the most part, though, it's pretty entertaining hockey."
Williamsport opened the night in style, announcing each individual starter in an effort to introduce the fans to Williamsport's newest team.
Despite not getting the outcome they would have liked, the entire experience seemed to be something the fans enjoyed from the first drop of the puck.
"I think it's good hockey," Muncy's John Sprout said. "I have a bunch of friends that are here volunteering and they got me a ticket. I figured I'd come out and see what it is like, and I think I'll come to some more games."
When asked about his thoughts on the outdoor arena, Sprout simply replied, "come and ask me when it's February."
In an effort to keep the fans coming out, Williamsport had contests in between periods. The first was a long-range shot contest, which seemed to keep the fans energized. The second contest, though, received the most interaction as fans threw small pucks with individual numbers on them on the ice.
"I think the atmosphere is great for now," Swinehart said. "I think we'd all like to see an indoor arena built. Something these guys can call home for good."
Swinehart also spoke about the NHL lockout, and how disappointing it's been for him.
"We're big hockey fans and watch a lot of professional hockey," Swinehart said. "It's nice to finally see some hockey in Williamsport."
The Outlaws should be able to take advantage of the NHL's second lockout in seven seasons. Swinehart summed it up perfectly when asked if the current lockout would help bring fans out by saying, "We're finally watching hockey."
"It's a little warm right now to get into hockey outdoors, but this is what's going to bring the crowds," Blossburg resident Bill Swope said. "It's different, but I definitely plan on coming back."
And that's all Williamsport's newest franchise needs to hear.
