What do Madonna, Mickey Redmond, Jimmy Buffett, Barry Melrose and SpongeBob SquarePants have in common? They'll all be at Van Andel Arena - in spirit, if not in person - during the coming weeks.


Jan. 21 - Return of the '80s (Chicago Wolves)

Local band Oregon Dreamchild will play tunes from the memorable decade and fans will receive "Here's Your Hockey" T-shirt iron-ons, as the organization celebrates everything good (and bad) about the 1980s. That means blasts of everyone from Madonna to Quiet Riot and a host of "hair bands" that ruled the radio airwaves during the decade. Earplugs, anyone?





Jan. 29 - Mickey Redmond Night (Milwaukee Admirals)

One of the worst things about the NHL's labor impasse is the absence of Mickey Redmond, the popular TV analyst of the Detroit Red Wings whose colorful commentary brightens the team's broadcasts.

Redmond, who could blast a puck in his day (he set a Detroit record with 52 goals in 1972, surpassing Gordie Howe), will sign autographs and drop the ceremonial first puck.






Feb. 11 - Welcome to Margaritaville (Utah Grizzlies)

All you Parrotheads are advised to leave your winter cages and celebrate the music of Jimmy Buffett, the Caribbean-inspired crooner of tongue-in-cheek pop-country melodies.

Local tribute band Sons of Beaches will provide musical accompaniment for plenty of Havana Daydreamin' during the evening, which will feature food specials and a trip giveaway. After all, there's nothing like a Cheeseburger in Paradise.




Feb. 18 - Hockeytown Heroes - Barry Melrose (Milwaukee Admirals)

The Griffins already celebrated the venerable mullet on Dec. 18, but that isn't stopping the team from saluting the crowning glory of Barry Melrose, the ESPN analyst who once wore the winged wheel uniform in Detroit.

Melrose, who also played for Winnipeg and Toronto, coached the Adirondack Red Wings to the 1992 Calder Cup before returning to the NHL as coach of the Los Angeles Kings. He will sign autographs for fans prior to the game against Milwaukee.




Feb. 20 - Mascot Mania (Philadelphia Phantoms)

There will be local and national mascots galore throughout Van Andel Arena, headlined by the one, the only, SpongeBob SquarePants, star of the popular television show and the recent Hollywood movie.

SpongeBob will be here to soak up the atmosphere and lead the familiar chant of his name. Don't miss it - your kids may never forgive you!







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