The Return of NHL Hockey And Why It Is Important

I'm sure the National Hockey League has lost some fans. There was a period before the last lockout where I wasn't much of a fan anymore. The game that is played on ice had become slow and plodding. Then it again became entertaining and fans flocked to it.

A lot of people are saying that the fans should just walk away. If you want to go ahead. Professional sports produce a product. If you don't like it then don't consume it. However, as an entity professional sports teams create a sense of identity. They bring people together. They are a uniting force.

When you see someone wearing gear from your favourite team, especially if you are not in that team's city, you feel a bond. You come together to cheer. You form alliances and have debates all about why you do or don't like a team or player. It is unscripted human drama.

Most of all, being the fan of professional sports is fun. It's an escape from the drudgery of daily life. It's a fantasy that we can believe in and be a part of. It is a coming together of humanity for the collective experience. It's an ice-breaker. 

There are few things more fun than being in a city during a long play-off run. It brings a sense of optimism and hope. It gets people excited.

If you don't ever watch another NHL game in your life that's your choice but I will. Go Jets Go!

Go Habs Go

Thursday night I went to a Montreal Canadiens game in Montreal. Although there were a few quirks it was an amazing experience. The crowd chants in English, sings in Spanish and cheers in French, beyond that it was quite the place.


The Bell Centre is electric during a Habs game. The fans are completely into the action. Of course, they are knowledgable. They are dancing and having fun. Just like everything else in Montreal, they know how to do it right.


Just to experience the city of Montreal is special, however the Habs have the city, and the province captivated. Adding to the experience is the Bell Centre is right downtown. Once you walk out of the game you walk right into the nightlife of Montreal where reality can be suspended and there are very few rules. That energy goes inside the Bell Centre and pulses through the crowd.


If you are a hockey fan, I suggest you go to Montreal and go to a game. It is the most storied franchise in hockey, the atmosphere is electric and you will not be disappointed. I have tickets to go again in January to see the Jets play. After being there I am even more excited to go again. This is how it should be done.


I'm a very fortunate person to have these opportunities and I like to take advantage of them.

The Good Old Hockey Game

Yesterday I took my parents to a hockey game between the Ottawa Senators and the Winnipeg Jets. Overall it was a very cool experience for me.  There were several things that made it so good.


First, the Winnipeg Jets were playing. After a 15 year hiatus from the NHL, Winnipeg has returned to the fold. The team needs to get better but after not having professional hockey in the Manitoba capital, worrying about how well the team will perform is a good problem to have.


Second, it was really cool that my parents came to visit me in Ottawa when the Jets would be playing. We didn't plan it that way. It was based on when I could get away from the office but it worked out really well. We could all go to the game together.


Third, I am so happy that I'm in a place that I can treat my parents to a NHL hockey game.  Mom and Dad did a lot for me growing up and this was a way I could do something for them.


Fourth, the Senators organization had a very nice tribute to Winnipeg pro hockey as part of the pre-game. It was nice to see the team in the city that I live show a warm welcome back to the league to the team from where I came from. They also had several players who played for both the Jets and Senator in the crowd and showed them on the big screen. (Anne Murray was at the game and introduced but I'm still at a loss as to how she fit into the whole theme of the night.)


The Jets didn't win. They did play well for a lot of the game but they need some scoring power. That will come with time. Right now its about being back in the big leagues.


Last night I went to see the Winnipeg Jets play live for the first time in 15 years. It's one of those moments I will get to remember for a lifetime.