DISRUPTING THE ORDINARY

The Havoc Fanatics debuted on Sunday and they weren't hard to notice. (Which I believe is the point) They chanted and drummed their way through three periods and OT, providing much needed atmosphere and life inside the cavernous confines of American Airlines Center. They're not stunt fans. Not hired extras. They are true fans, perhaps all hopped up on the Dew, or the Pepper.

Some in attendance may not care for the unyielding auditory assault, for them I say tap the breaks, and give it a few games. And I also offer this following explanation of why it's a great idea.

Back in the old NHL, the one that stopped more and for much longer, there were lots of opportunities to inject music, noise and life in between the action. Fast forward to the "hurry up" era and there are stretches of 5 or 6 minutes of continuous play, not all of which involves anything you'd clap your hands or stomp your feet to. And because the league doesn't allow music, etc. to be played during this "action" (like the NBA circus does) its up to fans to wake the building up. Enter the Havoc Fanatics, drums-a-pounding.

The other thing that can't be ignored is the atmosphere challenged acoustics at AAC. Beautiful building, no doubt, but it's a far cry from the intimate and intimidating edifice the Stars used to play in.

So here's a prediction. The Havoc Fanatics will grow from the current modest crew of throaty souls in the upper bowl into a legion of vociferous fans hell bent on having an impact on the home-side.

I'm painting my body green with gold stars as we speak! (And running low on gold, if you know what I mean...and I think you do)