Gorillas struggle to find footing on ice

AMARILLO, Texas — On Thanksgiving Day, one could almost hear an audible sigh of relief in the Jungle from Amarillo Gorillas hockey fans when the Civic Center arena crew covered the ice and began parking tractors and combines on the surface for the annual Farm and Ranch show.  

While October had seen the best start in the history of Amarillo hockey at 5-3-0 and a brief lead in the Central Hockey League’s Southern Conference, November saw the team freefall in the standings while managing only three wins in its last 15 games. This included nine straight losses between November 7^th and November 27^th. Yep, this was hockey in Amarillo, but it wasn’t what Gorilla fans had paid to see.   Harry Neale, NHL coach, manager and commentator, well known for his dry wit, once remarked about his struggling 1981-82 Canucks team, “Last season we couldn’t win at home, and we were losing on the road. My failure as a coach is that I can’t think of any place else to play.”  While Head Coach Brian Pellerin might not be as frustrated as Harry Neale had been with his struggling Canucks, it is certain he feels Neale’s comment was a lot more humorous back in October than it is today.   The Gorillas’ have posted a combined record of 41-74-13 over the past two seasons, missing the playoffs in 2008 and 2009.      If December’s play does not show an improved Gorilla squad, it is unlikely that even the promotional $4 tickets home tickets will encourage fans to return to the Jungle’s blue seats. This is of particular concern as the Gorillas have the worst attendance in the CHL, averaging 1,630 seats per contest, and has seen a steady decline in ticket sales for three seasons now.   Amarillo’s version of the Chicago Cubs once again find themselves in the unenviable position of taking a gut check and digging themselves out of the CHL cellar.   To be completely fair to the Gorillas, the last five games have seen some shoot out losses, and improved play… an indicator that perhaps the lads will soon find a way to turn their game around.     The team is currently in the midst of a four game home stand – their longest of the season. They will face the Colorado Eagles next, on Friday night. Meanwhile, fans pray that December brings October’s Gorillas back to center ice.   Contact the author at rushe.hudson@prohockeynews.com Contact the photographer at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com