I grew up in a hockey home. It was a family affair to watch hockey games, especially big rivalry ones.

When I moved to Baton Rouge for college, I did not realize how lucky I had been having a hockey team only an hour from my house. As an avid hockey fan living in the Deep South, these are the struggles that we hockey fans face daily.

1. The lack of enthusiasm your friends show when you tell them there is a game tonight:

“Isn’t there a game every day?”

“Yes, but it’s rivalry night.”

2. The judgement you get when you scream after your team scores:

It is completely necessary to jump up and down and scream when your team scores. Any goal in hockey is a big deal.

3. The look you get when you tell someone you like hockey:

“Oh that’s cool, I don’t know anyone who likes hockey.”

4. The fact you can’t wear your hockey jerseys because they are all long sleeves:

Thank you Louisiana for 85-degree days in November.

5. The fact you must explain your clothing when you wear your team’s apparel:

“What’s that weird logo on your shirt?”

“What’s a Red Wing?”

6. But you wear your team’s apparel like a badge of honor:

Your specific hockey fandom makes you unique.

7. The lack of available games on TV:

Thankfully, NHL TV offers a great student discount — you’re welcome.

8. The lack of sleep you get because games are always on weekdays and in different time zones.

You might hate yourself during your 8 a.m. but it was worth it to cheer your team to victory.

9. The fact you might not finish your homework:

You might fail your French test, but at least you got to see your team win in the shootout.

10. If you want team merchandise you have to go online:

Shipping and handling is the worst.

11. While watching a game, the wifi is always disrupted:

The WIFI decides to work after the game is over.

12. The severe lack of hockey boys available to date:

Connor McDavid, you want to move to Baton Rouge?

13. The only friends you can trash talk with live miles away from you:

But you always make sure to give them a call or send them a text when there’s a good game coming up.

14. When you meet a fellow hockey fan, you are automatically best friends:

There is a special bond you feel with a fellow southern hockey fan. No one understands you better, especially if they have the same favorite team.

15. Knowing that most people around you have never experienced the greatest game:

And you feel genuinely sorry for them for missing out on the great sport.