Spiders salute fans in appreciation for great season…

The Spiders concluded their season Sunday afternoon with a heart-breaking loss to the Royals in the AHA C2 Championship game. When all is said and done, it is not reaching the final game that the Spider team will remember but rather the great fan support and tight friendships made along the way.

The Spider “super fans” came out en masse as the Spiders shattered their single-game attendance record with over 100 Spider faithful in attendance. Perhaps the loudest cheers of the day, however, came from the players themselves, as they saluted their fans for a memorable season.

While the Spiders were unable to bring home the ultimate prize, our Red & Black warriors know that great teams work hardest after a tough loss. Spider winger Brad Butalla was quoted after the game as saying, “We took our lumps out there today. But you know what, we are going to wear these battle scars as a medal of honor. We will return in the fall with even more determination, more grit and with more to prove…”

One thing that was proven throughout this season is that “Spider Nation” is alive and well. “I have never played with a team that is this close-knit, one that has the utmost respect for each other,” Spider wall Brian Dow commented. When the final buzzer rang, there were no tears of sorrow, in fact, the Spiders reflected on a fun season by enjoying a tailgate party in the BIG parking lot for a couple hours after the game. The Spiders and their fans shared some stories about their memorable season, they shared some laughs (often times at each other’s expense); they shared adult beverages and they shared some hugs as the players packed up their bags and said their goodbyes…until next time!

Up next for the Spiders: 1st annual Spider golf outing and family BBQ (dates and details to follow).

For details, see the box score and game summary.

Game media

Dow stops a point-blank shot.

Dow stops a point-blank shot.

The capacity BIG 1 bleachers filled with Spiders’ fans for the championship.

The capacity BIG 1 bleachers filled with Spiders’ fans for the championship.

Hilden takes the faceoff.

Hilden takes the faceoff.

Maietta battles in the corner.

Maietta battles in the corner.

Spiders break out.

Spiders break out.

Tromiczak charges during delayed penalty.

Tromiczak charges during delayed penalty.

T. Stalpes pinches in to keep the play alive.

T. Stalpes pinches in to keep the play alive.

A perfect setup in the slot.

A perfect setup in the slot.

Four Spiders press down low for one final power play chance to get a goal.

Four Spiders press down low for one final power play chance to get a goal.

The crowd salutes, and celebrates a great Spider season.

The crowd salutes, and celebrates a great Spider season.

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