Ice Hockey / Magnus League (final 3): I am convinced they will do it: at the Bordeaux ice rink, Boxers fans already see themselves there

A thrilling final in five matches at best. At the halfway point, after the first of the two matches played in their den, the advantage goes to the Bordelais. “For now, it’s great. Let’s not get carried away, the road is still long,” says Quentin, enveloping his enthusiasm in the trendy moderation along the handrail. A facade. “Deep down, I’m convinced we’re going to do it,” he rejoices in a hoarse whisper.

“The Boxers are family”

Believe until the end. Easy for the 3,312 spectators of a packed ice rink. Less so for those among them present since the beginning of the season. “Ten games without a win right from the start, it was long,” remembers Lucas. The supporter of the club Esprit Boxers knows it all too well. Bitter defeats until “this unexpected final”. In total, 44 regular season games, not counting the playoffs. Lucas displays the calloused palms of his hands. “The marks of the drumsticks.” Sixty minutes of drumming like crazy. “Outside, with his comrades, he ‘turns on the air conditioning’. ‘We yell so much that we turn off the ice rink.’ Lucas was still in Grenoble three days ago.

“For now, it’s great. Let’s not get carried away, the road is still long”

His mate and their companions also made the journey, after accidentally falling on the ice fifteen years ago. One season, as a guest. Never a subscriber. “The Boxers are family,” confides the giant in the jersey branded “Kikinox”. He comes from Bazadais to support them; 90 kilometers there, the same back. “I don’t go to all the away games. It’s a budget.” It’s above all a joy.

In rhythm

“A final like this can’t be missed,” says Sophie. Her partner and she visit Mériadeck “from time to time”, as neighbors. “Above all for the atmosphere, the American-style show,” acknowledges the thirty-year-old. But they find themselves shouting as loud as the others.

A few seats away, Thibault cheers. His beer spills over the edge in rhythm. “I’m almost as focused as them,” apologizes the supporter, “still not reassured” when Kaylan Leborgne widens the gap to 4-1. “It’s still playing on the other side.” The proof, the gap is reduced to one point in a few minutes. The thirty or so blue and red of the Grenoble kop exult. “Hey, were they the ones there?” a spectator asks.

Seconds feel like minutes. Thibault has nothing left to pour in his glass when the victory buzzer sounds. “Come on, tomorrow,” he calls out with a shout.