Recently, I wrote a blog about opposing teams fans being in Nationwide Arena. However, I must now confess that I too have committed hockey treason. In fact, I have been in Nationwide Arena to support the enemy. The team I chose to support is not just an enemy, but the divisional rival...namely the Nashville Predators.
Ok, before I get shot by the Cannon at the next home game I attend, let me state my case. As I mentioned previous blogs, I am really a fan of individuals, not teams. The Predators just happen have several individuals I like: Rinne, Wilson, Franson, and Suter just to name a few. However, that alone would not be enough to dress in Predators colors. There is one individual on the team that trumps all others. The Captain Shea Weber. Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows that my affinity for Shea Weber is only matched by my bitterness for life in general. Some say I am borderline obsessed, but I think they are just jealous.
Before conclusions are drawn, it's not a physical thing. I just really think he is an awesome person. I first noticed Shea through the former NHL Network series "Day in the Life." I watched the episode for him as well as Pronger, Green, Clowe, and one of the Wings players. It was not until after I watched the other players episodes, that realized what was unique about Shea. When compared to the others, especially Mike Green, he was not a total ass. While Green was driving around in his modified Lamborghini, Shea was cruising around town in a stock Toyota Tundra. While Chris Pronger was probably looking for a wife to steal, Shea was ...ummm...not.
The show peeked my interest, and I started doing research, and watching other videos on the pride of Sicamous. Shea is unique in the way he does not seem to buy into the fame of it all, but he allows a lot of access into his life. For one, he did the NHL show. Also, he let a camera crew follow him when he found out he made the Canadian Olympic Team. It's obvious he did not do this for the exposure, but rather to give fans access to what its like to go through the process.
He is also not one of the players who takes himself too seriously. Last season the Predators went to a children's hospital for Halloween. Some players dressed in normal attire with their jerseys, while others had suttle costumes. Shea dressed in a complete Tigger costume from Winnie the Pooh. Its cool that he did it, and Im sure the children loved seeing him like that. (On a side note, Shea can get away with it...I don't think anyone is going to make fun of him.)
Shea may not take himself too seriously, but that can not be said about how he plays the game. He is focused. Some say he is one of the best defence men in the league, and that he is a Norris Trophy candidate each season. Further, he is now the captain of the Predators. Before the announcement, many Nashville Predators players stated they were already following his lead. It was even stated that had Jason Arnott not been traded, Weber would have been the new captain anyway.
Shea is an All Star, and an Olympic Gold medalist, however, this season he has had to play the game like never before...he is playing through tough personal adversity. Shea is playing after the loss of his mother. She passed away just before the start of the season. I have always really liked Shea, but this was the first I could relate to him. Without getting into too much detail, I lost my father in a very similar way. I know its tough, and I could not imagine trying to play weeks after that occurred. Shea did though. He talked openly about the event, and now he is moving forward.
In all, it makes sense that Shea is my favorite player. Yes, he is a Predator, but he is so much more than that: a great hockey player, a bad ass from way back, and an awesome person. In the end isn't that what matters most? So, that is why when February comes, I will be sitting in Nationwide Area wearing one of my many Shea Weber jerseys...supporting the enemy.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Strangers in the House
Last week, after the Columbus Blue Jackets played the Pittsburgh flightless birds, a lot of fans were upset about the opposing teams fans taking part in activities. The biggest part of the issue came from fans riding on the Zamboni in between the periods. The Columbus fans were right to be upset with this situation. Personally, I really don't pay too much attention to what goes on during this time of a game. I could care less about who is riding what. (Unless Drew Barrymore comes in riding a unicorn, I'm not going to look.)
While most fans were upset about that, some seemed pissed off that there were Pens fans attending the game. I agree that seeing so many fans from an opposing team at Nationwide can be off putting, but I want to offer a different point-of-view. Due to the fact that I live so far away from Nationwide Arena, I do not get to see many games in person. Last season I went to seven or eight, and as far as this year, one. However, a few of the games I attended were against Chicago. I can't stand the Hawks. They seem to be a bunch of showy me first guys, (With the exception of the captain.) and that is not for me. One game against the Blackhawks really stands out. It was late in the season, Columbus was all but done as far as any hopes at a playoff spot, and the game went down to a shootout. My sister and I were sitting in the lower level, about 15 rows back, and we were surrounded by Chicago fans. I, wearing my beloved Mike Blunden jersey, must have stuck out like a funny person on the set of "Two and a Half Men." The Chicago fan base was a diverse mix of jackasses, and total pricks. Those people actually made the game more enjoyable for me.
I know what you are thinking, the aforementioned statement makes less sense then keeping Carey Price as your number one goalie. However, I can explain. I'm not the type of person who gets too emotional at a game...or life for that matter. (this does not apply to when Project Runway is on.) When at a game, I am there to watch and take things in, and make fun of people who still adorn the Adam Foote jersey. Granted, if a player I like scores, I will stand, and try to keep the clapping rhythm of the goal horn, but I'm not going to cheer, yell and scream.
Things changed when I was at this game against the Hawks. Every time the Blue Jackets scored, I cheered with enthusiasm. When the game went to a shootout, I stood and cheered the Columbus shooters while making crass statements about Andrew Ladds mother. I acted like a regular fan. If the Chicago fans would not have been there, I would not have been so into the game. In a way, it's like protecting your house. If a stranger walks into your house, your going to defend what is yours. So I say let in the fans of Chicago, the fans of Detroit, and the fan (singular) of Atlanta, they make my experience better.
While most fans were upset about that, some seemed pissed off that there were Pens fans attending the game. I agree that seeing so many fans from an opposing team at Nationwide can be off putting, but I want to offer a different point-of-view. Due to the fact that I live so far away from Nationwide Arena, I do not get to see many games in person. Last season I went to seven or eight, and as far as this year, one. However, a few of the games I attended were against Chicago. I can't stand the Hawks. They seem to be a bunch of showy me first guys, (With the exception of the captain.) and that is not for me. One game against the Blackhawks really stands out. It was late in the season, Columbus was all but done as far as any hopes at a playoff spot, and the game went down to a shootout. My sister and I were sitting in the lower level, about 15 rows back, and we were surrounded by Chicago fans. I, wearing my beloved Mike Blunden jersey, must have stuck out like a funny person on the set of "Two and a Half Men." The Chicago fan base was a diverse mix of jackasses, and total pricks. Those people actually made the game more enjoyable for me.
I know what you are thinking, the aforementioned statement makes less sense then keeping Carey Price as your number one goalie. However, I can explain. I'm not the type of person who gets too emotional at a game...or life for that matter. (this does not apply to when Project Runway is on.) When at a game, I am there to watch and take things in, and make fun of people who still adorn the Adam Foote jersey. Granted, if a player I like scores, I will stand, and try to keep the clapping rhythm of the goal horn, but I'm not going to cheer, yell and scream.
Things changed when I was at this game against the Hawks. Every time the Blue Jackets scored, I cheered with enthusiasm. When the game went to a shootout, I stood and cheered the Columbus shooters while making crass statements about Andrew Ladds mother. I acted like a regular fan. If the Chicago fans would not have been there, I would not have been so into the game. In a way, it's like protecting your house. If a stranger walks into your house, your going to defend what is yours. So I say let in the fans of Chicago, the fans of Detroit, and the fan (singular) of Atlanta, they make my experience better.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
"Waiver" goodbye to Michael Blunden
As I sit here trying to interpret Swedish announcers while the Columbus Blue Jackets play their first game at Malmo Arena, I am doing so with something else on my mind. My favorite Blue Jacket is not in Sweden…in fact, he is not technically on the team anymore. As of noon today, the organization placed Michael Blunden on waivers. It is likely that he will be sent to the AHL affiliate in Springfield, as is the case with most individuals in his case. Why am I so upset about Blunden being sent down? The answer to that is not so simple.
I have been a fan of this sport for about a year and a half. From the beginning I realized I was different than other fans for one very specific reason: I am more of a fan of individuals than a team as a whole. There no handbook for how to be a fan in the NHL. (At least there is no official one to my knowledge.) In fact liking a person for who they are puts me dangerously close to “Puck Bunny” territory, but I assure you I am not.
So, what was it about Mike Blunden that made me go out and spend my hard earned money on a jersey? Well, it’s not goals or points if that is what you are thinking. Even though I met him once or twice, I am not one of those weird fans who thinks they know a player either. It started with his “team first” mentality. In his first game with the Blue Jackets, Blunden went toe to toe with Ryan Clowe, after he was attacking every Blue Jacket player in sight. To say Blunden lost that fight would be an under statement. It’s not the win that matters, but rather the fact that he was willing to do it in the first place.
After this, things just started escalating. I started hearing reports on the game broadcasts about Blunden’s great work ethic, and how he was well liked in the locker room. Though Blunden did not get a lot of ice time, as he was often on the fourth line, he never seemed to give up while on ice. He was sent back and fourth from Syracuse a few times. Once, late in the season, he flew into L.A. to help out after another forward suffered an injury, only to be sent back a few days later. Mike did not have the “Too good for the AHL” mentality, and he was there for the team when they needed him. He never asked to go home. Sadly, this can not be stated for the rest of the team.
The life a two way player is just this, you need them, more than they need you.
I am left with no individual to cheer for in Columbus. Sure, I like Derrick Dorsett, R.J. Umberger, and even Chris Clark, but it’s not the same. Mike isn’t likely to be resigned toe Blue Jackets after this season. Perhaps later in the year, if he goes through waivers again, another team can claim him. Loyalty and work ethic are not stats that show up in the papers…and in the end, isn’t that what matters most? (A naive me might believe that, but it’s just not the norm.)
I have been a fan of this sport for about a year and a half. From the beginning I realized I was different than other fans for one very specific reason: I am more of a fan of individuals than a team as a whole. There no handbook for how to be a fan in the NHL. (At least there is no official one to my knowledge.) In fact liking a person for who they are puts me dangerously close to “Puck Bunny” territory, but I assure you I am not.
So, what was it about Mike Blunden that made me go out and spend my hard earned money on a jersey? Well, it’s not goals or points if that is what you are thinking. Even though I met him once or twice, I am not one of those weird fans who thinks they know a player either. It started with his “team first” mentality. In his first game with the Blue Jackets, Blunden went toe to toe with Ryan Clowe, after he was attacking every Blue Jacket player in sight. To say Blunden lost that fight would be an under statement. It’s not the win that matters, but rather the fact that he was willing to do it in the first place.
After this, things just started escalating. I started hearing reports on the game broadcasts about Blunden’s great work ethic, and how he was well liked in the locker room. Though Blunden did not get a lot of ice time, as he was often on the fourth line, he never seemed to give up while on ice. He was sent back and fourth from Syracuse a few times. Once, late in the season, he flew into L.A. to help out after another forward suffered an injury, only to be sent back a few days later. Mike did not have the “Too good for the AHL” mentality, and he was there for the team when they needed him. He never asked to go home. Sadly, this can not be stated for the rest of the team.
The life a two way player is just this, you need them, more than they need you.
I am left with no individual to cheer for in Columbus. Sure, I like Derrick Dorsett, R.J. Umberger, and even Chris Clark, but it’s not the same. Mike isn’t likely to be resigned toe Blue Jackets after this season. Perhaps later in the year, if he goes through waivers again, another team can claim him. Loyalty and work ethic are not stats that show up in the papers…and in the end, isn’t that what matters most? (A naive me might believe that, but it’s just not the norm.)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Why, and Why Columbus
My first blog is going to be why I became a hockey fan. I want to make some things clear. I am not a hockey expert, I am not the biggest Columbus Blue Jackets fan, and this blog will not be the best out there. All I want to do is post my thoughts as a new hockey fan and an outsider. I know I don't best grammar in the world, but I have always been a fan of content. My back ground is in speech, not writing, so I will try to do my best. I have written literally hundreds of blogs about racing, including one that lead to a fast food chain removing and add campaign. With that being stated...lets learn why I watch hockey.
I didn't get into to hockey like most other fans. A lot of people have friends or family who are into the game, or they live in a city that is the home base for a team. Well, no one in my family was into hockey, nor were my friends. As for living near a team, that is not the case either, I live in West Virginia where there are no professional sports teams. So, what was it that made me watch hockey, and pick the Columbus Blue Jackets as my team?I am a person that has a lot of varied interest. I am into cars, racing, and films. That pretty much does it for "masculine" interests. However, I love to cook, devout "Project Runway" fan, and love the Theatre. I realized that my feminine hobbies were starting to pile up, and my others were ones in which I was finding boring. So, about 14 months ago I decided that I needed a change. I was lying in bed and thought "I should start watching hockey." That night I did a search with my Dish Network DVR and found a few games.When I initially started to watch I was pretty sure I was going to follow the Coyotes. Keep in mind I had no prior knowledge of the sport, and only knew of a few teams: The Red Wings, The Rangers, and The Coyotes. Now, one may ask "Why the Coyotes?" That won't be answered here...sorry. The Blue Jackets were nowhere on my radar, and I, like most non-hockey fans had no idea there was a team in Ohio. In fact, In December of 08, I vowed to never go back to Columbus after a very bad Speech Tournament, and being attack by a homeless person.
So, how did I become one of the people who were about to rock? Where I live the only Fox Sports Network available is FSOHIO. Thus, I had no choice but to watch the Blue Jackets.That alone did not make me a fan. I started watching a few months into the incredible run that Steve Mason was having in net. He was getting a lot of attention, and the media was making a big deal about his play helping to possibly get the team to the playoffs for the first time. This led to research, and I found out that Columbus is really an underdog team. I watched the team march to the playoffs for the first time and became a fan.
I was not able to go to a game in the 08-09 season due to school schedules and so on, but I did go to the Draft Party. I managed to drag my sister along for the two hour drive...she was hooked shortly after that. I met Jared Boll during the the autograph session, he signed my jersey, shook my hand, and in that instance I knew I could never beat him in an arm wrestling match. The thing about Boll i found interesting was that he was genuinely happy to meet the fans. Since that time I have interacted with him on a couple of different occasions, and each time he still seems to enjoy the fan interaction.In October my sister and I went to our first game. In total we have ventured to Columbus seven times this season. (Six games and also Hockey Fest) Before the season ends we will make one last trip to Columbus for the last game of the season. We have sat in the front row, and above the IGS Energy blimp...and most places in between. I love the goal horn, the Cannon, and the overall patriotic aspect of the team. I must say that I am glad that I found this sport, and this team. I truly believe the Columbus Blue Jackets Organization treat their fans better than any other team in the league. The Blue Jackets have great players, a great arena, and it all makes for a great experience.
OVERTIME: (I am going to end all of my blogs with a funny story.)At the draft party we had to choose which player to get into line for in order to get an autograph. I chose Boll because everyone else was going for Mason. I thought I would do the "Right Thing" and go for Boll. People were leaving his line in herds to get in line for Mason. I felt bad for Boll and stayed. I had my sister get in the Mason line because she liked him, and really wanted to meet him. I ended up getting stuck behind a Kate Gosselin clone and her family. This was one of those Upper Middle Class types who spoiled her brats rotten. Her kid was upset about not getting to meet Mason, and mommy decided to have a teaching moment right there in the entrance to the HD lounge. I t was at that moment I caught a whiff of mommy's breath and it smelled like the entire Miller Brewing Company. She was drinking...a lot. They were sending people to Boll in small groups. The woman ran off to other line and decided to leave her daughter, who was maybe three or four years old behind. She just forgot about her. I motioned for the security guard asked him to take the girl over to her family and was amazed by total lack of parenting. I thought I had a horrible experience dealing with people, but I was wrong...Ashley Simpson Wrong.I caught up to my sister who was still sitting in line to meet Mason. She had been there for about an hour and looked somewhat distraught. She did not say why at the time. She met mason, who also signed my jersey, and we left Nationwide. I asked on the way to my car what had happened. She then informed me that the man to her right, who was elderly, decided to tell her his life story...including the fact that he was a bisexual, and told her about what his turn ons were. Now I am as open minded as they come, but that's not really what I call "first interaction with a stranger" topics. In the end, we had fun, and even got to know the colorful rainbow that is Columbus Ohio.
I didn't get into to hockey like most other fans. A lot of people have friends or family who are into the game, or they live in a city that is the home base for a team. Well, no one in my family was into hockey, nor were my friends. As for living near a team, that is not the case either, I live in West Virginia where there are no professional sports teams. So, what was it that made me watch hockey, and pick the Columbus Blue Jackets as my team?I am a person that has a lot of varied interest. I am into cars, racing, and films. That pretty much does it for "masculine" interests. However, I love to cook, devout "Project Runway" fan, and love the Theatre. I realized that my feminine hobbies were starting to pile up, and my others were ones in which I was finding boring. So, about 14 months ago I decided that I needed a change. I was lying in bed and thought "I should start watching hockey." That night I did a search with my Dish Network DVR and found a few games.When I initially started to watch I was pretty sure I was going to follow the Coyotes. Keep in mind I had no prior knowledge of the sport, and only knew of a few teams: The Red Wings, The Rangers, and The Coyotes. Now, one may ask "Why the Coyotes?" That won't be answered here...sorry. The Blue Jackets were nowhere on my radar, and I, like most non-hockey fans had no idea there was a team in Ohio. In fact, In December of 08, I vowed to never go back to Columbus after a very bad Speech Tournament, and being attack by a homeless person.
So, how did I become one of the people who were about to rock? Where I live the only Fox Sports Network available is FSOHIO. Thus, I had no choice but to watch the Blue Jackets.That alone did not make me a fan. I started watching a few months into the incredible run that Steve Mason was having in net. He was getting a lot of attention, and the media was making a big deal about his play helping to possibly get the team to the playoffs for the first time. This led to research, and I found out that Columbus is really an underdog team. I watched the team march to the playoffs for the first time and became a fan.
I was not able to go to a game in the 08-09 season due to school schedules and so on, but I did go to the Draft Party. I managed to drag my sister along for the two hour drive...she was hooked shortly after that. I met Jared Boll during the the autograph session, he signed my jersey, shook my hand, and in that instance I knew I could never beat him in an arm wrestling match. The thing about Boll i found interesting was that he was genuinely happy to meet the fans. Since that time I have interacted with him on a couple of different occasions, and each time he still seems to enjoy the fan interaction.In October my sister and I went to our first game. In total we have ventured to Columbus seven times this season. (Six games and also Hockey Fest) Before the season ends we will make one last trip to Columbus for the last game of the season. We have sat in the front row, and above the IGS Energy blimp...and most places in between. I love the goal horn, the Cannon, and the overall patriotic aspect of the team. I must say that I am glad that I found this sport, and this team. I truly believe the Columbus Blue Jackets Organization treat their fans better than any other team in the league. The Blue Jackets have great players, a great arena, and it all makes for a great experience.
OVERTIME: (I am going to end all of my blogs with a funny story.)At the draft party we had to choose which player to get into line for in order to get an autograph. I chose Boll because everyone else was going for Mason. I thought I would do the "Right Thing" and go for Boll. People were leaving his line in herds to get in line for Mason. I felt bad for Boll and stayed. I had my sister get in the Mason line because she liked him, and really wanted to meet him. I ended up getting stuck behind a Kate Gosselin clone and her family. This was one of those Upper Middle Class types who spoiled her brats rotten. Her kid was upset about not getting to meet Mason, and mommy decided to have a teaching moment right there in the entrance to the HD lounge. I t was at that moment I caught a whiff of mommy's breath and it smelled like the entire Miller Brewing Company. She was drinking...a lot. They were sending people to Boll in small groups. The woman ran off to other line and decided to leave her daughter, who was maybe three or four years old behind. She just forgot about her. I motioned for the security guard asked him to take the girl over to her family and was amazed by total lack of parenting. I thought I had a horrible experience dealing with people, but I was wrong...Ashley Simpson Wrong.I caught up to my sister who was still sitting in line to meet Mason. She had been there for about an hour and looked somewhat distraught. She did not say why at the time. She met mason, who also signed my jersey, and we left Nationwide. I asked on the way to my car what had happened. She then informed me that the man to her right, who was elderly, decided to tell her his life story...including the fact that he was a bisexual, and told her about what his turn ons were. Now I am as open minded as they come, but that's not really what I call "first interaction with a stranger" topics. In the end, we had fun, and even got to know the colorful rainbow that is Columbus Ohio.
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