(I'll save this for a later time on the website, but figured I'd go on and share it here before somebody else does.)
LONGTIME MINOR LEAGUE BROADCASTER DROPS 'STACHE AFTER 37 YEARS
By Matt Graham (PuckingAround.com)
After 37 hockey seasons and more than 3200 consecutive games called, Terry Ficorelli has decided that it's time for a change.
That's why the Evansville IceMen (of the "Double-A" Central Hockey League) radio broadcaster has opted to lose his trademark mustache, which he has sported throughout his entire lengthy career.
"I grew it at the end of high school and have never once shaved it all off," Ficorelli said of his mustache. "At this point, I doubt anyone remembers ever seeing me without it."
The Detroit native began working in the minors in 1974 as the first broadcaster for the Kalamazoo Wings, then members of the International Hockey League. Since his debut, he has called over 3200 straight games without missing a single one. He's manned the microphone for 8 championships in a career that has taken him to places such as Baltimore, Cincinnati, Muskegon (Michigan), and now Evansville (Indiana).
So why the change? Why now? Ficorelli, or simply "Fic" as his fans know him, says it's a superstitious thing.
"I've always worn the mustache and we've always made the playoffs," he explains. "But this year, my first in Evansville, we missed out. I figure, if there's ever a time to do it, to make a fresh start, now is the time."
As a result, the Michigan State graduate will soon have another honor to list along with his two United Hockey League Broadcaster of the Year awards.
Ficorelli, whose lip whiskers may only be surpassed in the hockey world by the Anaheim Ducks' George Parros' mustache, will soon be inducted into the American Mustache Hall of Fame, located in Hoboken, New Jersey.
"They asked me to submit a signed portrait, along with some of the clippings after I shave it off," he said. "It's kind of humbling to know that I'll be forever immortalized in a Hall of Fame."
Raymond "Razor" Thomas is the curator of the AMHoF, which features famous face fuzz from the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Magnum PI.
"We're thrilled to welcome Terry Ficorelli into the American Mustache Hall of Fame," Thomas said. "We like to feature prominent mustaches from all walks of life, and Terry is the first minor league broadcaster in any sport who has made the cut, so to speak."
For Ficorelli, he just hopes that his exposed upper lip helps turn things around for his new team.
"If we can get back to the playoffs next season, then I'll consider it all as having been worth it," he said. "But if we miss the playoffs again, and I don't expect that to happen, maybe I'll bring the mustache back. Time will tell."
In the meantime, Ficorelli's fans will have to get used to an unfamiliar sight. While he has not yet shaved off the 'stache, our graphic designers have airbrushed Ficorelli's official bio photo to illustrate how he might look in the very near future.

Ficorelli knows it may take some time to get used to the change - for himself and his fans. "I'm sure it's going to feel weird for a while, and some fans may even do a double-take the first time they see me," he said. "But I think I'll adjust to it sooner or later. After all, Alex Trebek got rid of his after a long time in showbiz, so why can't I?