Puck Talk

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love hockey. One of the reasons I was so tickled to be moving to Nashville was because they have an NHL team, the Nashville Predators. Growing up in the north, I was always a fan of the game. I remember playing with the neighborhood kids on a rink made in a neighbor's driveway. While I grew up with the game, I never really knew much about it. I loved the speed and hits, the names of the players and the jerseys, but I didn't know what "offside", "icing", "boarding" meant or even who did what on the team. I just liked to watch.
Since I moved to the Nashville area, I have been to many games. A couple years ago, I even had a season ticket in the rowdy 303 Cellblock section. I wasn't able to get season tickets the next year because I didn't have a friend who wanted to get them. I missed my hockey games. Oh, I still made the occasional game and watched the games on TV when they were on, but it wasn't the same. Then, last year, I met someone who also loved hockey and has since become a good friend. Matt has two season tickets and often invited me to go to games with him. I was hooked all over again. This time, however, I started learning more about the game itself and when the season ended and season tickets went on sale for this year, I jumped on the chance to get my own seat (right next to Matt's two.. he's such a good guy)!!
Now I am an official season ticket holder. My interest in hockey goes beyond the Predators.I have started watching other teams and players more closely. I have learned what offside, icing, and boarding mean, as well as, many other technical terms. I even recognize penalties as they happen on occasion! If I can see it, the ref should, too! Sadly, it doesn't always happen that way. I know the difference between a defenseman and a forward and where they generally hangout on the ice. I recognize players beyond the pretty face and respect their talents and team contributions. I've also learned other random hockey trivia such as why they freeze the game pucks and what it means if a player tucks in the back of his jersey. With each game I learn more, but my first love is still the speed and the hit, the energy and the chants of the game. If you haven't been to a game, you should! I'd love to be your guide!