Saturday night was special. After months away, the Slough Jets finally returned to home ice for the first game of the new season — and what a buzz it was.
There’s nothing quite like opening night. The first time the doors swing open, the fans flood into the Hangar, and the team skates out to the sound of music and cheers. As Match Night DJ, I get the privilege of helping to set that atmosphere, and trust me, it’s something I never take for granted.
The build-up before puck drop is always electric. The players are warming up, the crowd is finding their seats, and I’m in the booth making sure the soundtrack matches the mood. The right song at the right time can set the tone for the entire evening. High-energy tracks bring the fans alive, and that excitement spills onto the ice.
When the first puck drops, the atmosphere goes up another level. Every check, every pass, every shot on goal is amplified by the noise of the fans. And when the Jets find the back of the net? That’s when the rink erupts. My job then is to keep the energy flowing — goal tracks, celebration music, and the kind of beats that make you feel part of something bigger.
Saturday wasn’t just about hockey. It was about community. Families, friends, long-time supporters, and new fans all coming together for one reason: to cheer on the Jets. That’s what makes opening night so special.
As I packed up at the end of the night, I thought about how lucky I am to be part of it. To be able to add something to the experience of the fans, and to support a team that means so much to the town.
The season has only just begun, but if opening night is anything to go by, we’re in for a brilliant year.
