u/ILoveReading6

hiii everyone! I've been a long time hockey fan, but only recently got into the NHL (team USA winning gold and the Olympics and the Flyers' success this season are the big contributors lol). I managed to snag tickets to the first home game of the second round, and had some questions about game etiquette and wanted to generally vibe check. I know a lot of these concerns are silly and probably a product of my overthinking, but I'd appreciate any honest answers and insights regardless!

first, I'm going by myself (which is something that's a huge step out of my comfort zone) and I love leaning into being a loud, obnoxious Philly fan, but is it weird if I'm a loud and obnoxious fan alone (or I guess not *that* alone considering a sold out game)? at other Philly games people are pretty open to making conversation with randoms sitting nearby; is that the case here too?

I want to watch the players warm up. I understand that attendees can go up to the glass for that and I want to make a sign to try and get a puck (or a stick or whatever). I know the players typically give them to little kids, so does it seem weird/puck-bunny-pick-me/boy-obsessed if I'm a girl in my mid-twenties standing alone trying to get one too? and is there anything I definitely should or shouldn't do to make my goal more achievable?

also, what is sign etiquette? I know they can't be beyond a certain size and I was planning on making some funny/silly signs just to hold up when play stops and for vibes, but I'm sitting in the first row of the second level, so it wouldn't really be seen by people at ice level or behind me unless I flipped it around. I still thought it'd be fun and maybe it'd get a jumbotron feature or something (idek). given how stupid expensive the ticket was, I definitely want to maximize the fun I get from the experience and go all out if that makes sense. is any of this even feasible? or is this all of this just stupid? again, I love being extra and leaning into the obnoxious fan persona, but idk if I'm just spewing nonsense at this point, and because I'm going alone I have no one to give me a much needed reality check.

last question, do players typically stay behind to sign stuff? I'd love the opportunity to say hi if they're in the mood to interact with fans. where should I go to do that and are there any tips or tricks to get them to stop for you? again, I'm sure they prefer stopping for kids and stuff, but anything important I should know before even attempting?

I know this was one long, silly rambling and bordering on overly self conscious, but I figured I'd try and see if anyone has any helpful info or advice since I've never been to an NHL game at all before, let alone a Flyers playoff game! regardless of how doable my little side quests are, I'm really excited! TIA and let's go Flyers!! :p