The First Popcorn Poll

Earlier this season, I was approached by staff of the Everett Silvertips who wanted to know if Taking Note was interested in a poll of popcorn in WHL arenas. The answer, without even thinking about it, was: "YES!" . . . What we have here, then, is the first of what is hoped will become an annual event, the first WHL Popcorn Poll:

CORN PANELISTS
Chris Walker, Athletic Trainer, Everett Silvertips
Mark LeRose, Assistant Coach, Everett Silvertips
James Stucky, Equipment Manager, Everett Silvertips

GRADING SCALE
Each arena’s popcorn was graded on a 0-5 scale by each participant in the areas of flavor, texture and freshness. The total score was then combined to create an overall score. Due to the fact that the Silvertips only visited the Eastern Conference this season, we will withhold the grading of Central Division popcorn until next season.
There were several ties; to break the ties we used the highest numbers in the overall grading to break the tie. For example, Everett and Regina finished tied with 21 points out of 45. Both arenas had one score of 4 each, though Regina had three scores of 3, as opposed to Everett receiving just two scores of 3.
Each city had the possibility of receiving 45 points, and the scores are as follows:
1) Vancouver: 43/45
2) Brandon: 42/45
3) Prince Albert: 37/45
4) Kamloops: 31/45
5) Chilliwack: 30/45
6) Moose Jaw: 29/45
7) Tri-City: 29/45
8) Kelowna: 28/45
9) Spokane: 28/45
10)Saskatoon: 28/45
11)Prince George: 27/45
12)Swift Current: 26/45
13)Seattle (Key Arena): 24/45
14)Regina: 21/45
15)Everett: 21/45
16)Portland: 16/45

SIDE NOTES
Now that this poll is concluded for the season, Silvertips healthy scratches can relax for the time being, as they were often commandeered to pull off concession stand popcorn runs.
This poll was taken very seriously by all participants, evidenced by the many WHL fans around various arena concourses who witnessed Mark LeRose grab a handful of corn, swirl it in the air in front of his nose while trying to catch the true popcorn scent.
The Corn Panelists were appalled when visiting the new arena in Kent, where the concession stands served popcorn from plastic, tubular, air-sealed bags. Having been insulted by this offering, the panel decided to use the legitimate tally from Key Arena, thus saving the Thunderbirds any snack food embarrassment.