When some kid says "Trick or treat!," the usual assumption is that, if you don't give him a handful of candy, you'll wake up to a Christo-like display of toilet paper strewn through your front yard. But at the Underground Surf Co. (1330 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach), the trick is more likely to be a railslide. This Sunday, the store is holding a Halloween Skate Party, featuring skateboarding, music, food, candy, a costume contest, and lots of free products courtesy of Da Hui, Cire Boardwear, Nikita, and Eastern Skate Supply. At 1 p.m., the parking lot transforms into a full-on skate course, complete with a half-pipe, launch ramp, and several street obstacles. The costume contest starts at 5 p.m. While a free skate deck goes to the winner, everyone in costume receives free Underground Surf shirts (T's or tank tops). Of course, you don't have to skate to hang out and enjoy yourself; you're more than welcome to just chill with a slice of Brusco's Pizza and listen to the blaring punk sounds spun on the outside sound system. And if you see some young shredder with a giant gash on his leg, it's probably just makeup. Call 954-428-5678, or visit www.undergroundsurfcompany.com. — Jason Budjinski
Pucking Awesome
Caps vs. Cats
SAT 10/29
When BankAtlantic took over naming rights for the former Office Depot Center (1 Panther Pkwy., Sunrise), the company paid more than $1.4 million. Hope the bean counters were wise enough to have the building inspected before writing the check. Because when 20-year-old Alexander Ovechkin, left wing for the Washington Capitals, played his opening-night game, he smacked an opposing player into the wall so hard that it displaced a metal support that's supposed to keep the rink windows in place. And that was just 40 seconds into the game. This Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Ovechkin and the Capitals see what kind of damage they can do in the Cathouse.
The hometown Florida Panthers counter with a little aggression of their own — in the form of top scorer Nathan "Hortz" Horton, burly defenseman Mike Van Ryn, and Finnish center Olli Jokinen. Superstar goalie Roberto Luongo tends the net, and the BankAtlantic honchos... well, they'll probably start investing in rebar. Visit www.floridapanthers.com. — Deirdra Funcheon
We Be Slammin'
HCW kicks ass for a good cause
SAT 10/29
Wrestlers aren't always about dishing out full nelsons and chop blocks. In fact, some of them are just kind-hearted teddy bears trapped inside pummeling exteriors — like the grapplers from the Hardkore Championship Wrestling Association. They're donating all profits from the fourth-annual HCW Incredible 8 Tournament to the Special Olympics. But they're not going totally soft-serve. Some serious ass-whuppin' is on schedule with Tommy Vandal vs. Tom Carter, Alex G. vs. Jeff Brooks, Dagon Briggs vs. Vordell Walker, and Lanny Poffo vs. Dave Power. The match begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Pompano Beach Elks Lodge No. 1898 (700 NE Tenth St., Pompano Beach). Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Call 954-460-2645. — Terra Sullivan
Heavy Fire
TUE 11/1
The World XIV Firefighters Combat Challenge is known as "the toughest two minutes in sports." Why? It might have something to do with all that heavy lifting and tower-climbing. Watch as more than 1,500 of the world's finest firefighters compete Tuesday through November 5 at the Deerfield Beach main beach parking lot (the intersection of A1A and Hillsboro Boulevard). Call 954-480-4433. — Jason Budjinski
