So, I went to a professional hockey game last week

A friend of a friend of a friend was selling his tickets to a game at the last minute. So I decided to go because I’ve never been, and I’ve been making an effort over the past 2 years to get into hockey. (Chicago Blackhawks to be specific. And yes it’s easier because they’ve been winning). Hockey, like baseball and basketball, requires far more commitment per week than football does. But, I can see myself getting into the end of the season – right as the could begins to settle after football season ends. It’s my hope that hockey will fill that sports void – at least a little bit.

Anyhoo, it was great going to the game. I got lucky with the seats – they were club level. And you know, no matter what stadium you’re in, club level seats always have better food. ALWAYS. What I wasn’t expecting was the crowd. It was QUIET. Like, tennis match quiet. Like, I could hear my phone ping when my dad texted me, quiet. Say what? What kind of fervor is this?! This may be the only sport where it is actually more interesting to watch the game on television. And I say that because the announcers are SO excited when they’re calling the game. Plus, they’ve got to be a lot more animated during the play-by-play. Keeping track of that puck combined with the ever-present possibility that someone is about to get slammed into the glass is bound to get anyone excited.

But live? *low whistle*. Pins could drop. You need to concentrate on where that tiny little puck is sliding. So, when there is a shot on the goal, the crowd collectively gasps, or sighs, or groans.* But otherwise the people are FOCUSED, man! On top of that, the ushers all had the opera signs, that say STOP! They hold them up during play. If you have to get up to use the john, you better be prepared to stand when you get back because there is no movement until the whistle blows and play stops.

That said, I’d go back to another game. Preferably one where the ‘Hawks are the pick and the spread is like 4 points. Because the celebration is completely raucous. People are singing, and dancing…and there’s a whole siren situation. Look, I can’t really describe it. Just watch this:







*Almost like watching the Mighty Ducks at the movies!