The 'Wesbo'

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Great feature article by Kinvig today about the 'Wesbo' (or the double-clap/salute to the fans after a home win): http://www.abbynews.com/sports/heat/news/176851071.html

It begins with the Heat players lining up around the centre-ice circle after victories at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre, sticks on the ice, facing each other. One player, singled out by his peers for an outstanding performance, stands in the middle.

Then, in unison, they clap their sticks on the ice twice before turning and raising their twigs in recognition of their supporters in the stands.

In Heat jargon, it's known as the Wesbo.

"We started doing (the double clap) after every practice last season, and it's kind of our team thing," defenceman Joe Piskula explained. "You practice hard and battle, and at the end you come and unite, and give each other a round of applause for the effort.

"We just wanted to include the fans in that. They're a part of us, they're a part of our team, and we need them."

The ritual is named for its creator, longtime Hockey and Sons staffer Wes Bolin. He was a former teammate of Ward's at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and currently coaches hockey and teaches social studies at Woodbury (Minn.) High School.

As the Wesbo takes root as a post-victory celebration at the AESC, Ward envisions the fans getting involved in the process more directly, clapping along with the players.

"It gives a little connection between the players and the fans," Piskula said. "So far, I feel like it's been an exciting thing. The fans were still there, and they cheered. It's a good connection."

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

It looks a little something like this:

[FanningTheFlames]

Wesbians!