December 19, 2008

Fans attending the Quidditch Fan Tent at the Hogsmeade Winter Festival probably got more of an experience than they bargained for. The event had plenty of attractions to satisfy the most avid fan of our popular wizarding sport, but the side show featuring Falcon's beater Dominik Wiedman and Tornado's Keeper Ian Cuddyer may have been the most exciting event of all.

There was speculation last month that the two were feuding following their on pitch run-in. But there had not been any additional fodder for that story for several weeks. For those not aware, Wiedman sent a bludger sailing in Cuddyer's direction while the Keeper was going to block a quaffle being scored. Caught off guard, Cuddyer, the quaffle and the bludger all went sailing through the hoop. Though many, including Cuddyer, cried foul, the goal counted and Wiedman's antics went seemingly unpunished.

Fast forward to the present and it seems as though the bad blood between them has risen to the surface. After exchanging initial pleasantries (or barbs if you will) in the fan tent, Wiedman then proceeded to put his cigarette out in Cuddyer's neck. In retaliation, the Tornado's Keeper landed a punch to Wiedman's jaw. The altercation did not escalate further, as teammates and coaches stepped in to keep the drama to a minimum.

In all likelihood, this will not end the bad blood between the two players. The Falcons and Tornados are scheduled for a few more matches in the new year and this will surely create a lot of buzz for the sport.

Wiedman is the dark and mysterious bad boy with a criminal record and Cuddyer is the sunny darling hearthrob from a family rooted in the sport. Both are superstars and have hefty fan bases.

Quidditch fans do love a good rivalry and this provides plenty of juicy tidbits to get fans excited about.  So, do you know who you will be rooting for?