“Big balls in cowtown, we’ll dance around.”

The Amarillo Bulls hockey team score a goal, the crowd roars and the familiar song blares through the stadium. Junior Spencer Maddox is in the stands singing along to his favorite song and cheering on his favorite local team.

Maddox has been an Amarillo Bulls fan for three years and seldom misses a home game. For Christmas, Maddox’s family surprised him with gift he would not soon forget, the opportunity to meet all the Amarillo Bulls players and coaches, and the chance to get their autographs and take pictures with them. For Maddox, that day came after the Jan. 19 Bulls game.

“I’ve never played hockey, but I eventually would like to learn how to,” Maddox said. “Maybe even become a referee someday.”

Although Maddox has never been out on the ice, hockey is a huge part of his life. He has season tickets for the Bulls and even got to attend a Dallas Stars game last March.

“When I am not able to attend a game I make sure to follow the game on my phone,” Maddox said.

When Jan. 19 came around, Maddox said he was most exited about meeting his favorite player and role model, forward and Assistant Captain Alex Peterson.

“Alex Peterson is my favorite player because he’s really good,” Maddox said. “My favorite part is when they score goals.”

Peterson is over 1,600 miles away from home, and has committed recently to play for College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts which is a NCAA Division 1 hockey program.

“I grew up playing youth hockey around Philadelphia as well as in high school,” Peterson said. “I played one year of junior hockey before moving down here to play with the Amarillo Bulls.”

Recently Peterson was named Assistant Captain along with Logan Jenuwine and Brett Abdelnour.

“It’s an honor to be named an Assistant Captain to this team,” Peterson said. “Especially because we have a special group of guys.”

The players range from 17 to 21 years old, and only three are from Texas. According to the NAHL, these boys do not get paid to play while they are down here as they are trying to earn a NCAA opportunity through the league.

“Very few people get to experience something like this,” Peterson said. “Having such a great fan base and to be role models for so many kids means the world.”