Last night I went to my first hockey game. I didn’t really want to go, but someone I work with who can tell me I have to do things sort of roped me in. I found myself grudgingly at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and LA Live (fabulous place!!!!) for dinner and then the game.
I’d like to introduce the new me. My name is Christine, and I love hockey. I mean I love hockey.
I thought it would be violent and repetitive and full of sloppy men with beer bellies (no judgement, I swear) screaming with paint on their faces. It wasn’t any of those things. It was like ballet but better. The fluidity of the way they were on the ice; the gymnastic prowess of the goalie. I’m hooked. It’s fast, and it’s exciting, and I now have a national team I can follow with hope they will move to the finals or whatever the end of the hockey road is called each season.
A Canadian who was with us said of one of the players on the way home, “he is a good skater and handles the stick well.” I can see there are things to learn about how to refer to things in hockey. Like every sport, there is a language that goes with the sport. I’m going to work on it over the weekend.
Apparently it was one of the most exciting games ever. It went into overtime where one player from each team skates in and shoots to score. In the end, after ten – yes ten! – tries, my team, the Los Angeles Kings lost to the Canadian-some-city-or-other Oilers (Oilers? Why would they name a team Oilers? I looked it up. An oiler is someone who keeps machinery lubricated. I don’t think we want to go there) with a stunning shot into our goal.
The timing of the guys one on one quest against the goalie was awesome. The moment when they shoot. The way they have to wait until just the right moment of release. It was so beautiful.
I’m a convert.
My name is Christine, and I’m a hockey fan. Who’da thunk? I always thought those people are silly. But now, my personal team, the Los Angeles Kings, are going to be a part of my day to day routine. I will follow them in the news. I will buy one of their shirts. I will watch the games on TV. I might even pick a player – not sure yet – to covet and find out when his birthday is and send him a card. My life has changed. I have joined the ranks of Americans who have a sports team that I call mine.
Yikes. Could it be? I’m a fan! Wonders never cease.
I’ve been to 3 pro hockey games and a few junior high ones. You’re right: it really is a great game to watch, especially in person. I can never follow the puck on t.v., but in person it’s easier. Very fast and exciting, and the skating is poetry in motion. Next time you are in NY, if it’s winter, let’s go to an Islanders game at Madison Square Garden.