Hockey wasn’t supposed to work in Nashville.
On May 4, 1998, the National Hockey League officially announced the Nashville Predators as the 27th franchise in the league. But the initial feedback wasn't completely positive.
Music City isn’t exactly overflowing with sports-lovers, and it’s no secret that football is second to none in the south. Critics predicted minimal support for the team, and lack of interest at best.
But we all know how accurate sports predictions are.
With Sean Henry and Jeff Cogen in the front office, Peter Laviolette as head coach, and players like Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber, plus Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg on the roster, it’s safe to say hockey has found a home in Nashville.
Hockey fans are different from any other sport. Unlike others, hockey isn’t for bandwagoners. Either you love it or you know nothing about it. Hockey fans are beyond loyal, and we live and die with our team.
If you happen to find a girl who loves hockey, it's in your best interest to do everything you can to be in a relationship with her. Here’s why.
1. We're team players.
While everyone loves the flash that accompanies a good skills competition, what really matters is winning games. And you can’t do that solo. Three forwards, two defensemen and a goalie all need to play their part in order to raise their sticks when the clock expires.
The girls who love hockey love their teammates.
We know that relationships require give and take. We know that we have to do our share to make things work and be held accountable when we make a mistake.
We know that the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back, and we understand that we’re a part of something bigger than just ourselves.
2. We go for the assists.
To win a hockey game, you need to get the puck in the net. Someone does, anyway.
Girls who like hockey aren’t the selfish kind. We know when to take the shot ourselves and when to pass it off and tally an assist. To us, overall success is more important than seeing our own name flash across the jumbotron.
We’ll happily take the spotlight, but will just as happily give it to our significant other. We want nothing more than to see them succeed, and it's a major bonus if we helped make it happen.
3. We're committed.
An NHL season consists of 82 games.
Plus playoffs.
If the girl loves hockey, she’s in it for the long run.
We don’t bail on anything halfway through—we stay dedicated and devoted. We don’t show up simply when it’s convenient. We stay. We stand with our team and we stand with our SO.
4. We know bad streaks are temporary.
In case you already forget about the point above, there are 82 games in an NHL season. That leaves plenty of time for hot streaks.
And cold streaks.
But every hockey fan knows the bad streaks don’t last forever. And we stick with our team until the bad streak is over. We don’t jump ship and get on board with whichever team is currently leading the standings.
The same goes for our relationships. Hitting a rough patch doesn’t immediately send us running. We know it’ll get better, and we’re willing to stick around.
5. We're passionate.
You don’t go to hockey games to kick your feet up and hold a lovely conversation. You go to scream and cheer and jump up and down. You show your enthusiasm, you show your pride and support. Most of all, you show your passion.
The girls who love hockey have no lack of heart or desire. And that transfers to our relationships.
Just like we did for the right team, we’ll give our whole heart to the right person.
But just so you know, if you root for our rival team, it will never work out.
