Don’t worry, I’m not talking about the holiday season.
I’m talking about hockey season.
It’s starts tonight, and I, for one, could not be happier. I will be frank (although my name is Bailey), and admit that I hate football. Every fall, I count down the Sundays watching play after play (in which they fruitlessly run it up the middle) just waiting for hockey to start. And now it has.
There is something so much cooler about hockey (although it has nothing to do with the fact that it is played on ice). For one, there’s more danger. I mean, they literally have knives strapped to their feet. And you should try to avoid the bladeless scythes they carry around. But if you are not bludgeoned by these instruments of torture, then you can be sure that someone from the opposing team will make sure you get very intimate with the boards by checking you into them. That is, of course, if you don’t throw down with someone first. What other sport tolerates a few fisticuffs? You know, besides the obvious choices, like boxing.
And if that doesn’t get you excited, well then. I’m not really sure what would get you excited. Blood, sweat, and ice makes for an interesting show, any day. But if you really need some convincing, you should know that hockey also does not stop for anything. Sure, if someone gets swiped in the throat by the knives on another player’s foot… they get out a band-aid, slap it on, and keep going. None of that ridiculous tomfoolery we saw in every game during the World Cup this year. (Wahhh, he stepped on my shoelace, and I stumbled a bit.) They play hard, and they play through the pain. I have literally seen guys pulled off the ice because they were bleeding but did not show any signs of going to the bench.
And if you really, really aren’t convinced, you should know that hockey jerseys are about the warmest gear in all of sports, which means you can wear them all winter. That’s great for little people like me who shiver like Chihuahuas during this season.
In the end, hockey is not for the faint of heart (nor for anyone who wants to keep all of their teeth), but it is certainly for anyone who wants to be entertained. Whether you are rooting for the players or for the next fight, there is something for everyone. Well, anyone who enjoys a little violence with their athletics, I suppose. Just cuddle up in your jersey, and boo anyone who has to go to the penalty box on your team. You’ll fit right in.
Bailey Dailey 