I'm sure I'm breaking some Canadian guy thing code to say it, but say it I will, "Thank God THAT'S over!" I'm referring, of course, to The Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the 2009-2010 NHL season in general.
Before any rabid hockey fans come after me with murder in your eyes, let me explain: I am not anti-hockey. Not at all. I'm Canadian! We invented the game! (as Sydney Crosby told you if you listened to the link - it might be a commercial but its very accurate - which is why its such a powerful commercial.)
Like many boys from small towns all across the country, I was taught to skate almost as soon as I could walk and grew up playing the game on frozen sloughs, dugouts, and small town rinks every winter. It hasn't changed that much - at least here. I don't have to go far (by Saskatchewan Standards, where we happily drive an hour to go to the theater or have dinner out) to see a live hockey game during the winter - Or for that matter to join in one, should I want to play. Even in Eyebrow - small as it is.
Despite only having an outdoor ice surface, Eyebrow has a recreational hockey league, with regularly scheduled games and its own web site. Everyone that wants to play, from six to sixty, can join and play - and everyone has a good time - all winter long! Hockey is a great winter sport! BUT... its a WINTER sport! And this is June!
I suppose for fans in Anaheim, Dallas, or Miami - and other southern areas of the USA, where there isn't a real winter - it probably doesn't matter. Hockey, for these fans might just be another sport and the longer the season the better - BUT... Where I live, we can expect our first snowfall to arrive in mid-October or early November (and we've had it as early as August.) By March, we're hoping desperately for Spring and by the May Long we're damn well ready for summer, even if the weather isn't (we occasionally have snow in June.) Summer's too short and by this time of year I can truly give a rats..... behind... who wins Lord Stanley's Cup. (even if I did watch.)
I understand why the NHL season lasts so long (more than eight months.) Professional hockey is big business and a multi-million dollar entertainment industry with teams paying out $50 million (average) in salaries. (Roughly $2 million per player.) If I was a team owner, paying those kind of salaries, I'd want to maximize profits by having as many games as possible as well. BUT... as a fan, I've lost interest in Hockey when the snow starts to melt.
So thank god the NHL season is over ... but I'll probably be back watching in the fall when the ice starts to form on the pond.
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I live fairly close to Anaheim and see them play a couple times a year. I totally understand what your saying. It's not really a winter sport here, because we have no winter.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, the playoffs go on forever! It's no wonder they call it "the second season." Having said that, I love hockey and was in duck heaven when they won the cup!
ah...Ice Hockey, we do have two or three leagues in Britain, but I've never followed any set team...It looks a dangerous sport, the few times I've watched, but exciting...
ReplyDeleteAt this precise moment we're setting ourselves ready for The World Cup series in South Africa. (I know it's not Ice hockey, but 'Football'..or 'Soccer' as Americans call it...same in Canada?.. seems to be our National interest.)
The pictures on my blog I 'borrow' from accommodating people on Photobucket. (I always say thank you!!)... Usually ones which pull at me to compose a poem or short story..
Pat:
ReplyDeleteHaving a local team to cheer for is a big deal - most likely that's my problem, since I don't have an NHL team to which I have strong emotional bond. Instead I tend to pay more attention to junior hockey (WHL) feeder teams which I can see play live more easily.
LadyP:
I was watching news reports of the pre-kick off FIFA celebrations this morning - huge excitement. Soccer (football to most of the world) is probably the most played, most viewed sport world wide - which I think is terriefic.
I have to say that I agree with the feeling of "Thank God it's over." I like hockey just fine, though I never played and I don't really watch the NHL. My hometown Bruins did well this year (though I don't suppose it mattered all that much to me). Hockey seems to be the longest professional season, but basketball is certainly just as long.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, it seems like it could snow any time where you live! Haha.
I appreciate the kind words you've written on my blog, and I am enjoying getting into yours as well.