Hitting the Ice, Hitting Your Couch

24 January 2013Linsadadsay B-E, Alex ‘14

Saturday, January 19th may not have seemed like anything special to a vast majority of the world. For hockey fans, however, this Saturday marked the kickoff to the much-anticipated NHL season. Delayed due to a 113 day lockout, it is with eager expectation that we die-hard fans awaited the return of Hockey Night in Canada this past weekend.

Contact outside of the metaphorical Brentwood Bubble is rare, but come Saturday, students will don various jerseys and root once more for their teams; the fierce loyalty that often forms between fans and their chosen lineup will soon be rekindled as the league hits the ice once more. The usual hype shall ensue. As the shortened season progresses with due haste, bandwagoners will invariably latch on to the various playoff matchups.

Most viewers have specific pregame rituals to conduct; be it arraying oneself in team colours or meeting friends to watch the game, the promise of an entertaining night is to be had by all. Although some find that the sport is not to their taste, those who appreciate hockey are sure to have an enjoyable, albeit loud, evening.

As the ending buzzer draws nearer, family and friends will shout at the TV in desperation as morsels of nachos and chicken wing are scattered haphazardly around the room. The bonding and bickering over where loyalties lie will once again be discussed in dorms, around campus, and across the country.

Despite dissent from grudging fans aimed at the league owners for having caused the lockout, those who wish to see their team rise to the top will undoubtedly tune in these winter weekends, following each respective player’s journey to the apotheosis.

Personally, I’m exultant that the NHL has finally resumed. Welcome back, boys.

Lindsay B-E, Alex ‘14

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