Slovakian defender Šimon Nemec, selected by New Jersey for second place in this year’s draft, also played for the Devils farm for the first time. For a long time it looked like he was going to start the season in team A, but at the last minute the club sent him to the farm, where he should gather experience for his first brilliant start in the NHL.
In a match against the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins, which began shortly after due to a power outage, he managed to send two shots on goal, but then the stadium was again plunged into darkness. Less than three minutes from the end of the second period, with the score of 2: 1, the power went out again for the hosts of Utica.
Tonight’s game was delayed due to a local power outage.
National Grid is about to fix this and we will update everyone as soon as we have information.
We ask that everyone remain in their posts until further notice.
– Utica Comets (@UticaComets) October 18, 2022
However, the fans in the audience did not let the experience of the first home game of the season be ruined and, on the contrary, gave an unforgettable moment. They promptly took their cellphones out of their pockets and lit up the entire arena with flashlights. They started singing “Utica” and the experience was handled.
A little late here in @UticaComets housewife opening when the power goes out in the @ADKBankCenter during a game break. In true Utica style, however, the faithful of the Aud make it a party by immediately lighting up the venue and launching a “U-ti-ca” choir. I love this place. pic.twitter.com/nOcuIYbnLS
– Spencer Davidson (@SDavidsonWKTV) October 18, 2022
About ten minutes after the game was suspended, the Utica Comets asked the audience to remain in their seats and not to leave the building for the time being. Another ten minutes later, however, it was clear that the current could not be switched on, so the fans were asked to leave the stadium in an orderly manner.
The game was then concluded and postponed indefinitely. Utica then released a statement on its social media thanking everyone for their patience and cooperation and appreciating the order and calm of exiting the building. All tickets also remain valid for the alternative match date, which will be specified.
