Originally invented by bored henchmen looking to pass the time at Doctor Berserko’s secret Antarctic lair, hockey has since overtaken polo and unicycle jousting as America's favorite pastime. Hop on the hockey bandwagon with today’s Groupon: for $10, you get two second-level-seating tickets (worth $14 apiece, for a total value of $28) to see the Omaha Lancers, who will open their season against the Dubuque Fighting Saints at the Omaha Civic Auditorium on Friday, October 1 at 7:05 p.m.

The Omaha Lancers skated into existence with a first-season record of 0-48-0 almost a quarter century ago, a slightly inglorious beginning that left plenty of room for improvement. Since then, the amateur hockey franchise has grown stronger, played harder, and swung its great hockey sickle with ever-increasing authority to harvest 13 championships—more than any other USHL franchise. Settle back slaphappily into a second-level seat and, like a cold sponge on the neck of a sweaty boxer, soak in the sights of puck ricochets, skillful checks, and blade-sprayed ice shavings as the Lancers launch their season by making hockey war with the Fighting Saints.

Since breaking new ice in the hockey world, the Omaha Lancers have helped scores of able young men prepare for future careers in college and professional hockey. Use today’s deal to treat a friend, a date, or a particularly aggressive penguin to an exciting round of hockey.

Only valid Friday, October 1, 2010. Must present Groupon at special Groupon will-call table in exchange for tickets.