Well, I have been thinking about doing this for a while, so here it is. My hockey blog.
Where to start? Well a bit about me. I am Canadian, but moved to Australia back in the late 90's and it is where I call home now. But I will always be Canadian, and a hockey fan at heart. I have probably had more exposure to different types of sports that most people either from North America or Australia. I grew up watching the 4 major North American sports, not so much basketball though. In Australia I have been able to watch different codes of Rugby (Union and League), Aussie Rules Football (yes there are rules that actually make the game make sense!), and cricket, even though an Aussie friend of mine recently pointed out to me that "I just don't get cricket". Thanks Rach.
And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. When it comes to sports, hockey is the only one I am truly passionate about. In my eyes, nothing else can compare to hockey. Sure I enjoy lots of other sports, but nothing near the same level as a great hockey game. Or a bad one really! And play off hockey is just the nuts.
I'm a Flames fan. Living in Calgary for a few years when I was a kid I was able to see a few games. I remember seeing Lannys moustache up close when he tossed a puck to me over the glass during the warm up one game. I got to see Gretz and the Oilers play during their dynasty years, but unfortunately I don't really remember it. I think Lannys mo was so big that its blocked out all my other memories of being at the games! I was not lucky enough like one of my Canadian friends here to be in attendance for not one, but two! Cup winning games in Edmonton cheering for his Oil. Although he doesn't seem to want to talk much hockey lately for some reason.
Being in Aus, the media coverage of the NHL is laughable to say the least. Unless there is a major brawl or dirty play, hockey never makes the sports highlights here. So I rely heavily on the web and a gamecentre account to watch games and keep up to speed on whats going on. Thank god for tsn.ca and puckdaddy to give me my daily dose of hockey happenings.
Luckily I have come into a circle of fellow canucks to talk/play/watch hockey with. We have fans of 5 of the 6 Canadian teams in the group. For some reason Sens fans are hard to come across, or they are just too ashamed to admit to it. We have a few hockey pools going which helps to keep everyone pretty knowledgeable about the whole league.
When I get asked what I miss most about living in Canada, I normally answer friends and family, which are a given I suppose. And number 3 is hockey. I miss Saturday night double headers on Hockey Night In Canadawhen its -20C outside. Its not quite the same watching it on a Sunday morning/afternoon sweating in 35C degree heat! But all that aside, I have grown to love and appreciate the game more and more since I left Canada. The game, or the NHL to be more specific, is far from perfect, but I will elaborate my thoughts on that more at a later date.
Thats about all for now. Flames and Preds tomorrow. Hopefully the Flames offence will find its way sooner rather than later. Iggy has been far to quiet as of late, so I am predicting a 3 point game from him tomorrow in a 4-2 win.
C
1 day ago
First of all, congrats on starting the blog. Takes gut to expose yourself to ridicule but it won't hurt that you support a good team. I just hope this blog doesn't dry up when the mighty Oil rise higher than the Flames once again...which likely won't be until Shawn Horcoff receives his last Oiler paycheque in 2014.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention in your intro. Words can't describe the electric Northlands Coliseum I experienced at those '87 and '88 cup-winning games. I'll never forget busting my playoff clapper when Anderson potted the insurance goal with 2:24 to play in G7 against Philly. Nearly took the poor woman's head off sitting next to me. Good times.
My next favourite live playoff game memory: Serial pest Esa Tikkanen giving the ice a good clean with a broom tossed over the glass by a fan as the Oilers wrapped up their 2nd round sweep of the Flames on route to their 4th cup (16-2 record that playoff). Classic Tik.
Ok, enough reliving the glorious past. Good luck to the Flames the rest of the way. I think they better trade for a playmaker (Spezza anyone?) if they want to go further than the 1st round.