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SAVANNAH, Ga. — Meet Mike Hernandez, a dedicated Iraq War veteran and the ultimate fan of the Savannah Ghost Pirates.
You might recognize Hernandez as the “Lord of the Arena” at Ghost Pirates games, where he’s unmistakable in his green and black attire, complemented by a distinctive oversized Ghost Pirates chain.
“I make the trek to every game,” said Hernandez, who travels from his home in Bluffton to show his unwavering support.
Before becoming a fixture at Enmarket Arena, Hernandez dedicated his life to serving his country.
Originally from New York City, Hernandez joined the United States Marine Corps in 2002, a decision spurred by the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
“I actually watched the towers fall from where I was working in the South Bronx at the time,” said Hernandez. “I watched them fall all the way across the water, so it was a day that forever changed me.”
Hernandez was then sent to Iraq as a cannoneer and border patrolman.
He served eight years before settling down with his family in the Lowcountry after being stationed in Parris Island.
“We had a nice house and a big open yard and we enjoyed the proximity to the beach and staying away from all of the hustle and bustle of the city,” said Hernandez.
Enter the Savannah Ghost Pirates, the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry’s professional hockey team established in 2022.
Hernandez said he has been a huge hockey fan since 1992, discovering the passion through video games playing.
“Finding out that a local team was coming to Savannah was amazing and I jumped on board,” said Hernandez, “As soon as I found out about it I got season tickets. This is year four and I think I’ve only missed probably about five games.”
Taking the name Lord of the Arena, Hernandez rules Enmarket Arena as the Ghost Pirates biggest cheerleader and has become a staple among fans and players, often photographed with them in gameday outfits and props which include a giant flag, green sunglasses and a chain.
The origins of the nickname stemmed from this picture taken in the Ghost Pirates inaugural season in 2022 of Hernandez peering over the banister at a home game.
“During the first intermission — and sometimes even minutes into the second period — I tend to walk around the arena and chat with arena staff, vendors, management and players who are injured and not playing that game,” said Hernandez. “During one of my strolls a friend of mine by chance looked up and saw me standing and looking over the railing. They snapped the photo and said, ‘Oh look at the Lord of the Arena looking down on his subjects’ and the title has stuck ever since!”
Hernadez even travels to games as far as Texas, often accompanied by other Ghost Pirates friends he has met. He has even met several veterans at the games and has created a social network.
“There’s a lot that attend games. A lot of army guys attend.”
Hernandez continues to encourage fans to approach him at games for photographs and ‘everything hockey.’
“I’m happy to meet everybody who comes up and asks questions,” said Hernandez. “I’m always an open book for anyone who wants to learn about the game a hockey.”