Wagstaff - the game was very popular, and as much as I want as many Devils’ fans to be able to watch the team as possible, I think the fact that Cov fans weren’t given first bite at the tickets is disappointing. It’s a big rivalry and I’m sure there would have been more from you guys if we kept it as an away fans section only.
With regard to the noise I see quite a few factors. The first one being that the drummer reacts to the crowd instead of drives it. In Bern the drum didn’t stop unless a goal was scored (and then only for our goals), and it drove the crowd on, instead of waiting for someone to start something up.
Inhibitions being what they are the job of a drummer/megaphone wielding lunatic/crowd enthusiaser is to get the crowd going. Joining in when three people are chanting is difficult, joining when the noise is constant and you think you’ll get lost in it is a lot easier.
There is also the fact we don’t have as many fights. But hockey has moved away from that in general, due to the professionalism of the teams and the fact that we don’t need set play fights for excitement.
When they are organic they are much more exciting.
Regardless, I think a big old bass drum, and a drummer who leads the way, would make a big difference