Channeling Jane Fonda

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.

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.