PEORIA, IL - Covering professional ice hockey isn't a bad gig.

The view from press row in St. Louis. Photo by Shaun Bill

I get to watch hockey and write about. I've got a semi-reserved seat in the Peoria press box and have seen games from press row in six leagues. Nice work if you can get it.

I was lucky enough to cover my first NHL game this year - on my birthday, no less - when the Detroit Red Wings visited the Scott Trade Center along with the St. Louis Blues.

The Scott Trade press box was awesome. Lot's of room, drinks iced down and a few snacks, too. Plenty of information available and college basketball on the big screens in the back. Each spot had plenty of room to work, electricity and light at each workstation and, of course, wireless access.

The view reminded me of that in New Orleans. I was covering a New Orleans Brass (ECHL) game in February of 2000. It is a great view of the "X's and O's" of the game. You can see play develop. What appears to be random skating at ice level is actually a choreographed play when seen from above. In the meantime, the library-like atmosphere certainly does create a peaceful environment in which to write without worrying whether the kid behind you is going to spill soda all over you laptop bag.

Peoria Press Box. Photo by Chris Loudermilk

What you can't see is the expressions and body language of the players. I spent a few years on the glass, as a fan. We were close enough to tell who had shaved that morning and who had not. You can see who is taking a shift off and who is pouring every ounce of themselves into a shot or check. At this level, you can see if a player is getting getting by on talent or effort.

Personally, I like the Peoria press box. While it isn't stocked with iced beverages and you have to hunt for an electrical outlet sometimes, it provides a good view. You are at the top of the lower bowl or the bottom of the upper bowl - the glass doesn't obstruct your view and you can still see body language and some facial expression while still being able to see the overall play develop. You are at the edge of or actually in the crowd, which, for better or for worse, keeps you in touch with that vibe.

Bloomington Press Box. Photo by Chris Loudermilk

I like that. I like being in the middle of it all and not above the crowd - either literally or figuratively. I mean, it's the players and the fans that make the game, right? It's a hockey game, after all. I want to smell the popcorn and hear the crowd and see the blood, sweat, and tears and then tell everyone about it. I mean, covering professional hockey isn't a bad gig. It's nice work if you can get it.

Contact the author: Shaun.Bill@ProHockeyNews.com