GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Generally speaking, if you have read any of my work in the past you would likely have been reading a police report. On Saturday night, Dec. 6, while working a game at “The Ralph” in Grand Forks, I learned of a sequence of events that required I step up my writing game with a story that I could complete without placing handcuffs on anybody!

Upon my arrival to Ralph Engelstad Arena on Saturday night, I was approached by NCHC Supervisor of Officials, Mike Schmitt, who shared an interesting story with me from Friday night’s game (Dec. 5) between UND and Lake Superior State. On this weekend Mike was not allowed to supervise games for the NCHC, but he was simply required to be a full-time dad to Lake Superior State forward Bryce Schmitt, his son. With Mike’s wife, Beth, proudly waiving from the family’s box seats, he introduced me to fellow Lake Superior State parents, Tim and Pat Spratte.

Initially, our introduction might have resembled the captain’s meeting at an NFL football game prior to the pregame coin toss – there were handshakes and introductions and then we would all switch places and do it all over again. Tim explained that he and Pat had completed their six hour journey to Grand Forks from their home in Rochester, Minn. to watch their son, junior Pete Spratte, compete against North Dakota. I told Pat that I had learned of something special that had occurred prior to Friday night’s game and she glanced back at me with a big smile.

Pat explained that on Friday night prior to the start of the game, she was near ice level taking pictures of her son during warmups. Out of nowhere, she was approached by a North Dakota fan who was clearly identified as such by his green jersey. The man quickly asked Pat if she had a son playing for Lake Superior State, at which time she answered that she did. He followed up by asking Pat where she was sitting – the answer, “Section 311,” which is an upper level balcony seat at the opposite end of the arena.

I asked Pat what happened next and she explained, “The man told me that if I had a son playing in the game that I should take his seats so we could see our son better. It was enough that he offered his seats to us, but he kept asking and then insisting that we take his seats. It was one of the most genuine and sincere things that I had ever seen. We did not take his seats, but his offer was very special.” Prior to the start of Saturday’s game I asked Pat if she could point out the North Dakota fan to me.

As I approached the first row of seats behind the glass, I cautiously approached the UND fan knowing that I had refereed many North Dakota hotly contested games over the years. I extended my hand to the fan while advising, “Hi, I’m Don Adam – I just need to know if you have yelled at me over the years?” I quickly received a hand back from Tom Kennelly, a North Dakota season ticket holder since 1995. He had a big smile on his face while honestly answering, “Yes I have, I think I yelled at you a lot.” After a few laughs and with the ice now broken I asked Tom about Friday night’s events. Tom said, “I saw her taking pictures and offered my seats to her – I just wanted them to be able to see their kid playing and to make their North Dakota experience better!”

Pat’s husband, Tim, had earlier explained that he was not present when Tom’s offer was extended to her, but when I asked him what his feelings were about what had occurred he said, “His offer was very kind and thoughtful. Everyone that we have met at these games has treated us great – for visiting parents North Dakota fans are the best.”

So there you have it, I went to a hockey game at The Ralph and a Christmas gesture broke out. I had the opportunity to meet three amazing college hockey fans, from two different universities, and two of whom were the proud parents of a player. If I could have boxed up the generosity, friendliness, sincerity and appreciation that was on display that night, everyone would have a nice present under their tree on Christmas morning!

--#NCHCHockey--