Before I begin, let's be incredibly clear -- I love sports. I am a Clippers fan who can talk basketball all day, I know when I should be angry during football games, and I don't know a whole lot about baseball, but if you put me in the sun and give me a hot dog, I promise I will have the time of my life. However, I have recently been introduced a world I am completely foreign to: the world of hockey. To be absolutely honest, a few months ago, I was under the impression that "The Stanley Cup" had something to do with horses. Surprise! It does not. Instead, it's all about the fast-paced, exciting, kind of confusing game on ice. Aside from learning about the biggest accomplishment in the game, here are 11 things that I have learned to appreciate about hockey:
1. Learning the Basics
I went to my first professional hockey game and was the only person in the stadium on my feet when I got to see "icing" happen (even the awkward nature of this sentence shows how little know). I was just excited I understood something on my own. Every success should be celebrated -- even the little ones.
2. Questions, Questions, Questions
The friends I have that love hockey will probably not be my friends by the time the championship is won. I spend 50 percent of game time being mad and yelling for no reason and the other 50 percent asking what is happening.
3. Being "Mom"...
I find myself being more concerned for the players' well-being rather than who is winning the game. From getting slammed into the glass and fighting, yelling at the TV like a Southern mom on a baseball field is acceptable. Don't hit my boys -- I don't like it.
4. ...But Secretly Hoping for a Fight
If people are rude on the ice, I thoroughly believe they should be hit very hard in the face, so I get a little upset when players are just passive aggressive toward each other. When you are ready to take the gloves off, I'm ready.
5. The Heroes
Apparently, there are the "good guy" teams and the "bad guy" teams. From what I understand, it is totally acceptable to cheer for Toronto, Boston, St. Louis, and, of course, the Nashville Predators.
6. The Villains
With that, you can never really cheer for Chicago, Detroit, or Washington (respectfully). As a personal choice, I have also learned to hate Anaheim. They aren't nice boys.
7. The Fans
You think football has some rowdy fans? Go to a hockey game. These people are ridiculously wild in the best way ever. Lots of chants, lots of threats, lots of beer. It's beautiful.
8. Brain Play
Have you ever tried to follow a tiny little hockey puck being slapped around full speed on a TV screen? If you haven't, you should try it out. It's a definite workout. Your GPA may rise a little.
9. Fashion Statements
Some people care more about what the team is wearing than how they are doing on the ice. I am always intrigued by what the goalie's mask/helmet looks like. I'm still trying to figure out why they get really cool ones and no one else does.
10. It Gets Loud
I think I'm a pretty level-headed person, but get me confused during a game and I will become inappropriately angry. The idea of a "power play" blew my mind and I hated it when I saw it happen for the first time.
11. The Players
I regret every day of my life that I wasn't completely in love with Roman Josi. Every day of my life.
