(Picture from http://www.nbcsportsmedia1.msnbc.com/)
Up until recently, The Mighty Ducks was all the hockey I watched. I thought all a team had to do was Quack a few times, form The Flying V, and chuck up a Knuckle Puck and they would win. Gordon Bombay "The Minnesota Miracle Man" was the only hockey coach I could name, and was number one in the Pantheon of Best Hockey Coaches ever. I thought Goldberg was the perfect specimen for a goalie, and Julie "The Cat" Gaffney had the quickest glove in the country. Fulton Reed was the Ray Lewis of hockey, and The Bash Brothers were like Singletary and The Fridge on the '85 Bears. As you may know by now, I obviously didn't know jack.
Well living around Chicago, and being home for the holidays, I had no choice but embark on a journey I still am not quite ready for. With the Bears sucking more than usual, and my Bulls riding what seems to be a season long roller coaster, all I hear about is the Chicago Blackhawks. My friends (some joining the band wagon, others life long fans) have all told me that I need to get into this game they call "hockey" (a game I thought went under during the 90's and early this decade). So I took a baby step and watched the 30 for 30 documentary about Wayne Gretzky, and I must say it registered deep down. I saw how much it meant to that man, his tears so surreal, so true, I couldn't help but take a closer look.
My dad, (a crazy Bears fan mind you, tattoo and all) has even gotten into the Blackhawk craze, which ultimately pushed me over the edge. For over a week now, I have watched most of the Hawk games with him. For once, I have to ask him questions about what is happening (he was a fan growing up, and recently hoped back on the wagon). Hockey is relevant in Chicago again, and has been for a few years now. Never in my 21-years on this planet do I really remember the Blackhawks having this kind of relevance over the Bears and Bulls. But now I know why they do.
Hearing the fans rattle the UC, and watching the players thank the fans after wins gives me the shakes. It hits a chord, the same chord Gretzky hit when I saw him cry in that documentary. So I realized that I might have to do something I'm not a fan of; I might have to join the Band Wagon.
After tonights last second thriller over the Predators, it was inevitable, (I knew I was sold during the game. I even texted a buddy of mine that has been pushing my acceptance of the NHL,"It's happening".). I am now a fan and I don't care who knows it. Hockey (at least in Chicago) is fun, thrilling, enthralling, and enthusiastic. Watching these kids play so passionately is a major change from any other sport out there. Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, and John Madden are the new Charlie Conway, Fulton Reed, Guy Germaine, Jesse Hall, and Adam Banks in my life. I'm still learning, and my transcendence into this life is still brand new. But for those that have not jumped onto the Blackhawk band wagon yet, jump on in, the water is nice. And on top of it, I am able to add another coach to the Pantheon, Mr. Joel Quenneville (even though he may not deserve this induction, his mustache does!).
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