When the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association plays its ice hockey championship games at Piney Orchard Ice Arena -- the former practice home of the Washington Capitals -- the noise grows throughout the back-to-back contests. People yell, stomp, cheer and even ring a cowbell or two during the games. In other words, it's rather loud in the building.
Plus, finding a seat can be quite the task. Fans from both schools playing, whether it's the A or B Conference matchup, are often standing to see the rink better and cheer on their teams. That's often what it's like in big games in the MIAA, especially for football, basketball or lacrosse contests.
However, hockey also has its fan base in the MIAA, stronger than most realize. When the Capitals practiced for the 1998 Stanley Cup finals against the Detroit Red Wings, the rink was practically full. The MIAA A and B Conference finals have crowds much like that.
