Why I love hockey! (awesome video)

[dazedx3]

Wow, that was cool!! We are also a hockey family, we came to it late when our youngest decided, out of the blue, that he wanted to play hockey. It has been an amazing experience, and we have made incredible friends.

He is in high school now, and am really dreading the time when we no longer go to the rink. Sometimes I think his father and I love the sport now more than he does. Although I won't be sad to have the incredible fees to play the sport come to an end, but it has all been worth it.

Thanks again for the video, it brought a tear to my eyes.

 

[1Grumpy9]

I am getting to see Christian Hanson (Dave Hanson's son) play this year for Hershey. In fact, Dave was in this past weekend for the games.

Dave comes and watches Christian play usually once or twice a month. He was in this weekend because the families got to go to Philadelphia for the AHL Winter Classic between Hershey and Adirondack. So most everyone's family was in town and stayed to see the rest of the weekends games.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Very neat, Geoff, thanks for sharing.

We are enjoying a rebirth of hockey here in Chicago after old man Wirtz died a few years ago, so stifling he was. Hockey is big again here, competing with the Bulls, Cubs, Sox and Bears, and doing a good ob of it too, sellouts every game.

Sports' highlight films are always so neat to view.

 

[Sydnie]

Great link! We are a big hockey family and LOVE the San Jose Sharks. Well, in the regular season anyway :snort:

 

[MattsPrincess]

Thanks for sharing! Born and raised in Michigan, so hockey has always been a big thing. Living in Arizona now one of the main things I miss is hockey. No one out here really likes it, so no stanley cup parties or anything here

I try to get to the games every time the Wings come play the Coyotes, and will be taking my boyfriend to his very first game on 6 Feb! Nothing like going to a game at the Joe, of course, but it'll do for now.

I do feel bad for the Coyotes. They're a decent team but no one here really seems to care. You don't even see merchandise in stores or hear anyone talk about them. When I do get a game, easily 80% of the crowd is in Wings gear.

 

[kimblebee]

Thanks for sharing! Born and raised in Michigan, so hockey has always been a big thing. Living in Arizona now one of the main things I miss is hockey. No one out here really likes it, so no stanley cup parties or anything here

I try to get to the games every time the Wings come play the Coyotes, and will be taking my boyfriend to his very first game on 6 Feb! Nothing like going to a game at the Joe, of course, but it'll do for now.

I do feel bad for the Coyotes. They're a decent team but no one here really seems to care. You don't even see merchandise in stores or hear anyone talk about them. When I do get a game, easily 80% of the crowd is in Wings gear.

You should have given them back to us when you had a chance. Why your councel insists on still covering their losses is beyond me. Unfortunately, I don't think they will find an owner and will be relocated at the end of this season. Seattle is being tossed around as a possibility but I think Bettman needs to come to grips with the fact that most Americans are not raised on hockey like Canadians are. The public sentiment here is to move them to Quebec City to right another wrong. Only time will tell I guess.

GO JETS GO!

 

[LBIJim]

We are enjoying a rebirth of hockey here in Chicago after old man Wirtz died a few years ago, so stifling he was. Hockey is big again here, competing with the Bulls, Cubs, Sox and Bears, and doing a good ob of it too, sellouts every game.

.

Glad to see the Blackhawks' turnaround. I think as recently as 2006 or so some games were only attracting 10,000 fans. Never paid all that close attention, but it's my understanding that Wirtz had been alienating Blackhawks fans for years, decades even.

Old Chicago Stadium was an awesome place to watch a game.

Jim

 

[LisaR]

Thanks for sharing! Born and raised in Michigan, so hockey has always been a big thing. Living in Arizona now one of the main things I miss is hockey. No one out here really likes it, so no stanley cup parties or anything here

I try to get to the games every time the Wings come play the Coyotes, and will be taking my boyfriend to his very first game on 6 Feb! Nothing like going to a game at the Joe, of course, but it'll do for now.

I do feel bad for the Coyotes. They're a decent team but no one here really seems to care. You don't even see merchandise in stores or hear anyone talk about them. When I do get a game, easily 80% of the crowd is in Wings gear.

We're in FL and that is exactly what happens here. It is almost like being at the Joe when you go to a Wings / Lightning game in Tampa because there are so many more Wings fans. It is fantastic! Almost makes me feel a little sorry for the Lightning.

 

[BDL]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.

And even though I'm from Boston, I can relate to what you have to deal with in your family. They're is an invisable but very prominent line in Boston. You are either a Bruins fan or a Celtics fan. Very rarely are there people that are both. And I was born a Bruins fan in a family of Celtics fans. Even most of my friends growing up. But I never converted.

What I love about hockey... it is not a sport for fair weather fans or band wagon jumpers (referred to as pink hats here in Boston). You can tell 5 sec into talking to someone or the 2nd minute of game whether they are a true fan. All last year I wore my Bruins sweaters or shirts to work on the days I went to games and I'd get "So how are they doing?" My response was the same, if you watched, you'd know. The biggest insult came from a coworker who grew up in India and played field hockey at a competitive level. He started talking to me "I hate the way the Bruins play hockey. I'm more of a Canadiens fan." UGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

But, I got the last laugh in June.

PS: Toad Passenger... great Bobby Hull quote

 

[Geoff_M]

What I love about hockey... it is not a sport for fair weather fans or band wagon jumpers (referred to as pink hats here in Boston). You can tell 5 sec into talking to someone or the 2nd minute of game whether they are a true fan.

I know what you mean. I got a big kick out of this Blackhawks bandwagon fan spoof: "We Love the Hawks(?)" (and FYI, it's "puck" they're saying!)

 

[KiKi Mouse]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1nK53xPCjM

We just got our NHL team back. Every game is sold out and electrified!

 

[LBIJim]

I know what you mean. I got a big kick out of this Blackhawks bandwagon fan spoof: "We Love the Hawks(?)" (and FYI, it's "puck" they're saying!)

Love it!!

Every team gets its share of bandwagon jumpers when they advance far into the playoffs, not just hockey.

I watched some highlights of the Blackhawks Stanley Cup parade and it was obvious that some of the "long time fans" they interviewed had first seen a puck only a month or two before.

It was mentioned that after their 2010 Cup the Blackhawks had a waiting list of something like 15,000 for season tickets. My reaction: Yeah, but by the time tickets become available, 14,500 won't want them anymore.

Still, glad to see the United Center full again, even if some are fair-weather fans.

Love your Indianapolis Racers puck. K-Wings jersey...wow.

Unfortunately a lot of my memoribilia/souveniers from over the years were destroyed when my mother's basement flooded. Was only able to salvage a few things.

Jim

 

[kimblebee]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1nK53xPCjM

We just got our NHL team back. Every game is sold out and electrified!

TRUE NORTH! I am going to the game on the 19th vs Buffalo and I can't wait. I think it will become one of those moments where everyone remembers where they were when they heard the announcement. FTR I was in bed sick with strep throat and laryngitis but I felt better for the rest of that day

 

[KiKi Mouse]

TRUE NORTH! I am going to the game on the 19th vs Buffalo and I can't wait. I think it will become one of those moments where everyone remembers where they were when they heard the announcement. FTR I was in bed sick with strep throat and laryngitis but I felt better for the rest of that day

We got to go to one game last month and it was GREAT!.

Make sure to scream out "TRUE NORTH" during the anthem!!! Have fun

 

[1Grumpy9]

I listened to the Hershey game last night on the radio (since they are in Charlotte for two games and I couldn't go), and the only thing I hate about hockey right now is Shootouts!!! I just don't like settling a team sport on a skills competition...Now let me just say that Hershey won and I am happy about that, but it went 12 rounds!!!!!! This isn't the first time this seasont that one of their shootouts went longer than the 5 rounds it is supposed to. Two weeks ago, the shootout went 9 rounds.

Why can't we just go with a tie anymore?!?!?

 

[ToyStory Fan]

People that follow and understand hockey can truly appreciate and understand why we love this game so much. I started playing when I was 6...arguably late when you think about it. I am 40-something now and still play and coach now too.

My DS12 has been playing since he was 4 1/2. He plays on a NYS AA National Tournamant Bound travel team. It is one of the defining things about him, who he is and how he carries himself on and off the ice. It has taught him leadership and teamwork - no one will pick on one of his friends when he is there - on or off the ice. He is not an an enforcer type of player, nor is he a finesse player - his favorite player is Mark Messier and his current playing favorite is Ryan Callahan - they play the game the way it was meant to be played - and I am happy that my DS tries to emulate both of those players.

It is the greatest sport and it requires an unbelievable amount of sacrifice to be good at it. Hockey players are known to be among the most down to earth and humble of all professional athletes...the Rangers showed a clip of Messier watching his Mite age son playing at MSG the other night during an intermission game...one of the strongest most hardnosed players in hockey had tears in his eyes as he watched his child enjoying the game on one of the largest stages...I've never seen that with any other sport or group of professional athletes. So yeah - proud to say it too, I love hockey.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Only problem with the video was Mary Kate & Ashley from Vancouver

I love hockey, too! Growing up in Southern California, nobody I knew played hockey and practically nobody but transplants from colder climates even watched until Gretzky came to town.

About 25 years ago some of the guys (from NYC and Chicago) in my office had an extra ticket to the Kings game. They couldn't find any other male to take it , so they finally asked me if I wanted to come along. Having never seen a game, but always up to try something new, I said OK, and I was hooked! Finally a game that was exciting and fun to watch! I cannot watch most other professional sports, as they just move too slowly for me. Hockey is the only game that keeps my interest. And yes, every level, girl's and women's hockey included.

Soon after, I met my dh, who shared in Kings season tickets with a group of people, so our first date was a Kings game. When we moved to Colorado, there were no pro teams, so we bought season tickets to DU college hockey, then IHL when the Grizzlies came to town, then Avalanche when they came to town. We have had those season tickets ever since. So, my favorite part of the video was Ray Bourque kissing the cup! So lucky to have seen that in person! Our basement is full of hockey memorabilia, signed pictures, sticks, pucks, jerseys and a couple of the seats from the old Montreal Forum. Although I've never been to Canada, I can sing along to the Canadian national anthem.

Hockey players are known to be among the most down to earth and humble of all professional athletes...the Rangers showed a clip of Messier watching his Mite age son playing at MSG the other night during an intermission game...one of the strongest most hardnosed players in hockey had tears in his eyes as he watched his child enjoying the game on one of the largest stages...I've never seen that with any other sport or group of professional athletes. So yeah - proud to say it too, I love hockey.

Yes, I've been lucky enough to meet several players and they are extremely down to earth and humble. I remember the parade when the Avalanche won their first cup, a bunch of the players were standing on top of fire engines holding camcorders to record the crowd! They were genuinely amazed and excited that so many people came out to see them!

 

[LBIJim]

I listened to the Hershey game last night on the radio (since they are in Charlotte for two games and I couldn't go), and the only thing I hate about hockey right now is Shootouts!!! I just don't like settling a team sport on a skills competition...Now let me just say that Hershey won and I am happy about that, but it went 12 rounds!!!!!! This isn't the first time this seasont that one of their shootouts went longer than the 5 rounds it is supposed to. Two weeks ago, the shootout went 9 rounds.

Why can't we just go with a tie anymore?!?!?

You and I are among the few people who liked ties.

I don't hate shootouts, but after the 5 minute OT a tie is fine. One of the greatest games ever played was a tie, Montreal Canadiens vs. Soviets on New Years Eve 1975, IIRC. But I recognize that most ties, maybe 75% or more, were "bad" ties.

At least the NHL plays regular OT in all playoff games. I'd hate it if a series was decided based on a shootout.

The 1994 hockey Olympic gold medal game was decided by shootout. Sweden beat Canada. The 2006 World Cup soccer final game was a shootout also. I think 1994 in soccer also. Phooey!!

Jim

 

[kimblebee]

Add me to the list of those who like ties.


And to the PP who knows our anthem

I was watching something on tv about a year ago and the USA anthem came on. Without thinking I started singing along. My daughter looked at me and said mom, how do you know that??? I looked right back at her and said from watching hockey games LOL

 

[Geoff_M]

The 1994 hockey Olympic gold medal game was decided by shootout. Sweden beat Canada. The 2006 World Cup soccer final game was a shootout also. I think 1994 in soccer also. Phooey!!

I agree that shootouts have no place in the playoffs, regardless of the sport, but I don't mind them in the regular season. In fact they can be really fun to watch... case in point from tonight!