WBS vs Wheeling

[thehockeyguru]

I have a question for those who have gone to see the Penguins minor league teams play. Which was a better experience, WBS or Wheeling. For me living in Pittsburgh it will be a lot closer to take the 50 min drive to Wheeling, plus you have the Casino and so on. But with the WBS Pens you are seeing better hockey, and our future. Anyone care to comment?

[newarenanow]

I've never been to either, but I have heard Nailer games are decent from my friends that have gone. Not the best hockey, but still a good time.

I don't know anyone who has gone to WBS game.

[DocEmrick]

They're both fun to go to. If you're worried about making the trip all the way up to WB/S, then just go to Wheeling. It's hockey one way or another.

[thehockeyguru]

I am not worried about the drive, if i go to WBS where can I get into mischief after the game?

[Letang Is The Truth]

i dunno if they still have this deal but there used to be thing in wheeling where you get 2 tickets a hotel and dinner for 99 bucks?

[WWGRD]

I've been to both..

Wheeling is definitely closer, but the town is basically dead and the hockey isn't very good

WB/S is a lot different and a lot better IMO. The rink is usually packed and the quality of hockey is great. Also, they have some nice places to eat/drink afterwards. All the players went to the Arena Bar & Grill after the game and we met most of them there, but I think they have a new place called Lucky's?

Both good times though..

[PensBeerGeek]

There's also a certain "Guaranteed Fight Night" aura about the ECHL, if that's your thing.

[K2]

WBS games are a lot of fun, especially for those with an interest in our prospects. Locals are very friendly and supportive of their team. Their arena isn't a palace like the Giant Center in Hershey, but it's a good place to watch a game. I second WWGRD's comment about the Arena Bar and Grill. Great food and a great pre-/post-game atmosphere. The arena's located on the outskirts of Wilkes-Barre among countless chain restaurants (think the area around the Mall at Robinson) but is right off I-81 and easy to get to. Parking is free as are programs. I really enjoy going to WBS games and try to get to one or two a year.

I've never been to Wheeling for a game, but I've seen ECHL hockey elsewhere. The quality of hockey is a staggering drop off from the AHL, but the guys are busting their butts for a promotion, so the games are usually physical. Like PBG said, there is kind of a "Slapshot" feel to the games, where you're almost guaranteed some goonery. To me, hockey's hockey and I enjoy watching it no matter what the level, so I've enjoyed every ECHL game I've seen. These games also tend to have a lot of sideshow promotions and whatnot, similar to Washington Wild Things baseball games, where as WBS games do have a bit of a big-league feel.

I'd encourage any Pens fans who are able to make a trip to WBS sometime. It's worth it. The Nailers could use the support too. Either way I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Old Time Hockey]

I have seen both teams play. I prefer Wheeling over WBS because it is closer and I have been seeing Wheeling games since I was 14 years old. WBS is a far drive as well, but the arena and atmoshphere is awesome.

[betteroff87]

I've been to Wheeling for New Years Eve Last year. They honored the $99 deal. I plan to go this year too. Not the best hockey, but there was a fight or two and $1.00 beers for the first 2 periods. I don't even drink and I was buying them. The packages go up from $99 for better seats/food/hotel. The hotel we stayed at was the McClure, which was a neat historic hotel. All in all, it's something different to do and close to Pittsburgh.