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There was an original member of the Wheeling Thunderbirds organization in the house Friday night at WesBanco Arena as the Nailers opened the home portion of the 2007-08 season with a disheartening 6-2 loss to the South Carolina Stingrays.
And this guy didn't even hit the ice.
Beloved organist Dan Wheeler returned the the ice rink for the first time in 11 seasons.
"I have a lot of good memories from this place," he said between periods. "I had a lot of fun, but things have changed. The overall game has changed as it has progressed more toward the NHL."
Wheeler was best known for revving the fans up, especially when he played his favorite rendition "Three Blind Mice."
While the song was his and the fans favorite, it certainly wasn't to the liking of the guys in the black-and-white shirts that tote whistles.
"I've been thrown out of three games by three different referees; was assessed a $500 fine by the ECHL brass; and received a two-minute bench penalty against Wheeling," he recalled.
Wheeler was with the franchise for five seasons before turning his attention elsewhere.
"I'm a youth pastor at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, so I've been pretty busy of late," he added. "I listen sometimes, but my dad passed away a year ago."
Back to the changes, the Wheeling resident said the fan base in the 'Friendly City' isn't what it used to be. "The fans used to be here win or lose, but now it seems that they only show up when the team is winning."
He did add that Wheeling is lucky to have a top-notch team here.
However, Nailers' fans should not get too excited about having the original organist around, as he said he was just there for opening night.
North can be reached at knorth@timesleaderonline.com