Sport talk radio has created a public forum for the sports fanatic. Now it is possible to see inside some crazy weird minds. As Vancouver joins in the annual ritual of NHL playoffs, fans vent their opinions. Man there are some serious dudes out there! Just rippin’ whoever is not meeting their expectations. Of course they are egged on in many ways by the sports talk hosts who enjoy fanning the flames of both sides of every controversy because that’s what they need to create some sizzle.
I know this because I’m an egg in this basket and have been most of my life.
This spring I got challenged by a buddy of mine who cheers for the Canucks. This means win or lose, play bad, play great. Me being a more ‘knowledgeable fan’ was not always so happy with the play and results of the home team. But as the inevitability of the Canucks making the play-offs became apparent my buddy showed up one day with this old Canuck playoff flag and a story about them going to the finals every 12 years. Kiss the flag and maybe we’ll let you on the band wagon, he prods.
The photo tells the story. At first I was so busy biting my tongue I’m lucky to still have one left. But as the rollercoaster ride unfolded I discovered a whole fan life. Never lose hope, never criticize(a few carefully worded constructive comments…maybe).
This has not been as easy as it sounds…letting a 3-1 lead slip away…top players not scoring, blown out in game 1 against the Ducks. But game 2 locked me in. Missing half their top 4 defense and 2 other top forwards, inserting rookies to fill the holes this Canuck team just plain gutted it out and in double overtime Cowan the Brabarian finds a sliver of daylight to get the puck behind Giguere.
It was probably the first game I had honestly just sat there and cheered the team (only one or two tongue bites)and it felt unbelievably great! I know now that I can do this the rest of the way no matter the outcome and still have a feel good feeling for the home team when its all over.
I think I’m a reborn Canadian hockey fan with a new perspective on living and breathing hockey. Kissing the flag has changed me forever....at least for this season.
I know this because I’m an egg in this basket and have been most of my life.
This spring I got challenged by a buddy of mine who cheers for the Canucks. This means win or lose, play bad, play great. Me being a more ‘knowledgeable fan’ was not always so happy with the play and results of the home team. But as the inevitability of the Canucks making the play-offs became apparent my buddy showed up one day with this old Canuck playoff flag and a story about them going to the finals every 12 years. Kiss the flag and maybe we’ll let you on the band wagon, he prods.
The photo tells the story. At first I was so busy biting my tongue I’m lucky to still have one left. But as the rollercoaster ride unfolded I discovered a whole fan life. Never lose hope, never criticize(a few carefully worded constructive comments…maybe).
This has not been as easy as it sounds…letting a 3-1 lead slip away…top players not scoring, blown out in game 1 against the Ducks. But game 2 locked me in. Missing half their top 4 defense and 2 other top forwards, inserting rookies to fill the holes this Canuck team just plain gutted it out and in double overtime Cowan the Brabarian finds a sliver of daylight to get the puck behind Giguere.
It was probably the first game I had honestly just sat there and cheered the team (only one or two tongue bites)and it felt unbelievably great! I know now that I can do this the rest of the way no matter the outcome and still have a feel good feeling for the home team when its all over.
I think I’m a reborn Canadian hockey fan with a new perspective on living and breathing hockey. Kissing the flag has changed me forever....at least for this season.
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