froggie
3/8

The between periods shows at the Challenge Cup are hard to plan - Stadium Series would be easier as the ice sheet takes up a small amount of PBE field or ISFL stadium, so it's possible to have both a stage and an ice sheet on the field and resurface the ice between periods. Since that's not an option in an arena, a few ideas were thrown around: sealing off an area in the 100s, box, or 300s for a makeshift stage - this was tossed because the owners want as many seats as possible to sell, and sealing off the amount needed would drastically reduce the seating. Creative choreography was also tossed around, but consults with choreographers proved frustrating as they laughed at the prospect of having performers racing around the ice while a zamboni worked. The final plan is to have a floating stage above the ice - it's been used successfully at many concerts and will allow for ice work during the show.
6/8

I gotta go with QCC as a homer. The Citadelles have an incredible roster with so many active forwards, and just need a bit of life breathed into the defense side. They had an incredible season with very strong performances from multiple players, and just couldn't pull it together during the playoffs - it's always a mental game and I believe the bye round had them off their game. In the next season, I truly believe the powerhouses of QCC can rally together for a phenomenal showing and get the team a cup before they rise up to become future SHL stars and win a Challenge Cup for their respective teams.
8/8