Tonight was a night of firsts: Kunlun Red Star’s first regular-season game as a member of the CWHL, and the Markham Thunder’s first home game as, well, the Markham Thunder.
The game started off with remarks from CWHL Commissioner Brenda Andress and the Mayor of Markham, followed by the singing of both the Chinese and Canadian national anthems. From what I could see of the arena, it looked like there was a nice crowd, and also a giant Pikachu in a Markham Thunder cape who apparently serves as their mascot. That’s a great mascot, Markham. I salute you.