The free depression screenings were at the main campus on Oct 9, but in the student commons at South County Education and University Center, blue was the color to be. It was the St. Louis Blues Rally, a small kick-off the day before the Blues home opener. The intensity of the fans played a role as the Blues led themselves to a 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators, in one of the first home opener victories since 1996.
Decorated with nearly everything hockey, the rally went on throughout the day giving students a break from the daily toils of class. Providing students with free food, beverages, and team spirit the rally was well-received by all. The piece bringing the day together was the chance for students to have some chalk talk with none other than former Blue, Tony Twist.
The Ex-Blue, now owner of multiple bars and co-host to the cable talk show "Chalk Talk," Twist found time to make a short appearance and meet some fans. " Kind of short notice, he was here for like a half hour," recalls Kyle Parker, student. " But that's what makes him Tony Twist. I'm a die hard fan so it was pretty cool."
Twist's short appearance was well received, as he ran out of photographs to sign quickly. Shortly before leaving, Twist found the time to sign the bottom of the rubber ducks used for decoration. "I got a signed duck," remarked Dave Schuler, student. "And it wasn't a Mighty duck. It was a Blues hockey duck."
Schuler and his friend Steven Hackler sat as they discussed the season opener following the day. "I'm psyched! I'm going tomorrow!" said Schuler. "Yeah man, this is the only team St. Louis has right now. [forget] the Rams, and [forget] the Cardinals." replied Hackler.
Coming in fifth in the Central Division, the team suffered 36 losses and 33 wins last season. Despite the Blues' dismal performance last year, Hackler's claim seems to hold some water as the Blues look hot right off the starting blocks.
After the big win at the home opener on the Friday Oct. 10, the Blues took off on the road to New York only to suffer a 5-2 loss to the Rangers. After a day off and a quick trip to Toronto, the team held fast and earned a 5-4 victory over the Maple Leafs in a spectacular shootout.
"The team may have been down last season, but this year they're not out!" Parker proclaimed as he left the rally back to class, as his fellow students remained to discuss a certain cup, which they felt St. Louis will one day drink.
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