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.