Giving Thanks for Hockey (NHL)

What sports fan does not love this time of year: Food, family, alcohol and enough sports to give me couch sores.

So, while I open adult refreshment and settle into my 20th straight hour of watching sports on my couch, I want to take some time out and reflect five things I am thankful for in professional hockey.

#5 the Chicago Blackhawks

Considering the fact that this team was almost dead in the water a few years ago, they are strong, young and most importantly a completely rejuvenated franchise.

Five years ago, they were voted ESPN’s worst franchise; “Dollar” Bill Wirtz was running the franchise like a third world dictatorship (and not the fun ones that we vacation in), they had no television broadcasting, and as a result, almost no more fans.

Along came Dale Talon as GM, John McDonough as president and two first round draft picks (Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews) along with some great free-agent pickups and this franchise has the hockey world–and especially Chicago fans–re-energized and eager to see this franchise back to its original six glory.

Keep an eye out for their game tonight against LA and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

#4 A whole bunch of Wayne Gretzkys

Growing up in Montreal meant it was my birthright to be a die hard Habs fan, however, not even the psychotic love Montrealers hold for their hockey franchise was enough to sway the influence that “The Great One” had on my young hockey life.  Every kid growing up and playing hockey at that time wanted to be him and was a fan of the team he played for.

Wayne was hockey during that period.

Fast-forward to today: the face of the NHL is mostly on the shoulders of Sidney Crosby, but you can’t mention Sid’s name without muttering the names of Alexander Ovetchkin and Evgeni Malkin as well.  They’re all Wayne Gretzkys (and coincidentally, I can’t wait to see them play each other in the Eastern conference during playoffs this year) and let’s face it, three is always better than one.

#3 EA NHL 10

Ok, this one makes me a real geek; but the graphics are awesome, the controls are engaging and . . . well IT’S TOTALLY COOL! Many hours of my life have been eaten up by this title and it kicks ass.

#2 Third Jerseys

I absolutely love the third Jerseys that teams have been using (even the twisted psychedelic Montreal Canadiens striped massacres that were modeled after the ones worn in the days before TV . . . obviously).

It’s another opportunity for fans to make their colors known and their pride a little more stylish.  It also somehow adds a neat new unexplainable dimension to watching the game.

#1 The New Rules–Especially the shootout

Yup, I said it.  I love, love, love it when the game goes to shootout.   It takes an already tense and thrilling game and makes it electrifying (it’s even better when you see it live).
You don’t even have to look any further than last night’s games between Boston and New Jersey or San Jose and Edmonton to be convinced.

With a little bit of luck, a couple of more games tonight will go into the shootout.
Also, I didn’t forget the four on four overtime and no red lines rules, but I really love the shootout.

–Ryan Matwiy, RED Editorial Staff