Its amazing how a person’s perspective changes as they “mature”, and lately my perspective has had a major change. I may have mentioned a month or so ago that I was a rebooted Habs (Montreal Canadiens) fan. Then when last years Stanley Cup was in its final playoffs, I found I was enthusiastically cheering on the Oilers. And Now in round 2 of the playoffs, with my precious Habs out golfing with the Canucks and Senators (you hockey die hards know what that means) we’re down to three Canadian teams in the playoffs, round 2. Its a big hairy deal! The Leafs, the Oilers and the Jets remain!
Now the reason its a big hairy deal, is because The Man, who I’m seeing on a pretty regular basis, is a full blooded, die hard, life long Toronto Maple Leafs fan. I mean on a Rider level of hard core fan! On a level equal to my dad. Big Al loved the Leafs. So now, each evening I watch hockey. yes, you read that right. Its becoming a big hairy deal for me! Games are exciting! I almost remember who’s playing for which team. Heck I even listened to the trades…when Marchand was sent to Florida and who I now boo like the rest of the world. During tonights game, I was yelling at the referees, cheering on players, and once in a while encouraging my team to “put ‘em in the boards”.
When the Leafs won tonight in the 3rd period, after the Panthers pulled their goalie, it was down right exciting enough my pulse quickened, I was cheering louder, until “settle down girl” got my attention. And that from my Super-fan man!
The week is planned around who plays when, and social outings inevitably turn to hockey standings. I wore a t-shirt today at lunch that had a big Maple Leaf on the front with the words “Once. Just once before I die” on it. Leaf fans, the true fans - know what thats about, The last time they won the big one, the Stanley Cup was in 1967. So upon entering the pub to meet our friends, I was greeted with OMG I need a photo of your shirt…and other comments, because those folks all knew what it meant.
Which brings me to my new happy place. After a lifetime of detesting the Leafs, I find myself cheering them on like a mad woman. Much to the disappointment of my hard core Habs fans. Lol This new passions for Hockey has created stronger connections with family, friends and my fav super-fan. I’ve been converted.
Well let’s see how this series ends up. I’m pretty hopeful one of the Canadian teams will end up inthe final playoffs! Now if the referees could just remember to bring their whistles. 😉
