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.