The latest stop in the real-life dream of Jackie Richey and Mark Slattery was Saturday night at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
The married couple from California watched UND play the Russian Red Stars as part of their 50 sporting events-in-50 states-in 400 days trip across America. North Dakota is stop No. 14 in their journey, which is half-entertainment and half-work, as they regularly blog and plan to write a book about their experiences.
"We either pick the biggest thing sports-wise in the state or the event that is unique to the area," Slattery said. "This fits the bill in both categories. Since both of us attended the University of Michigan, we know that Fighting Sioux hockey is a big deal."
Before North Dakota, the stops were surfing in California, logging competition in Washington, mud run in Oregon, airplane races in Nevada, triathlon in Arizona, balloon festival in New Mexico, World Senior Games in Utah, Boise State football in Idaho, mixed martial arts in Montana, rodeo in Wyoming, Cornhuskers' football in Nebraska, World Cup skiing in Colorado and a Native American basketball tournament in South Dakota.
"We basically get three reactions from people," Slattery said. "One is that we're crazy. Another is wondering how we pay for it. And the third is that they're so jealous."
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The crazy part is living out of a 28-foot RV, although the overnight below-freezing temperatures prompted them to spend a rare night in a motel. The expensive part mostly concerns the RV, which gets eight to 12 miles per gallon. And they totally understand the jealousy.
"What a way to spend this time of our life," Richey said.
The New Year starts with a Packers' game in Green Bay and an ice fishing tournament in Brainerd, Minn.
So, traditional and non-traditional sporting events share equal time. Whenever possible, they participate in the event, too. They write about each event and locale on their blog.
"We're trying to show that travel in American is overlooked," Slattery said. "There are different opportunities in each region. By picking a sporting event, we can highlight that area and talk about why it's popular."
Each quit their job for their 24,000-mile trip, Richey as a schoolteacher and Slattery worked with a youth sports non-profit. The childless 27-year-olds each enjoy sports, traveling and writing, so the elongated road trip is a perfect fit.
"I was telling my students about how people should follow their dreams and do something meaningful," Richey said. "Mark had this idea in his back pocket for a long time and we finally decided we could do this."
They're traversing the northern states in the winter because that is when their most significant events are held, they said.
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Earlier Saturday, the Convention and Visitors Bureau gave them a tour of Grand Forks-East Grand Forks and they had lunch at the Red Pepper, as a Twitter follower suggested.
Although the REA crowd was smaller and less raucous than usual because it was an exhibition, they said they enjoyed the experience.
"Between the pre-game, the arena and the play, it had the feel of a professional game," Slattery said.
Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send email to rbakken@gfherald.com .
