Humble Pie

I didn't want to write this post. For years, hockey has provided me with a multitude of jokes. Not just about the sport, but the hyperbole that ensues when comparing it to anything I didn't care about. I grew up not giving hockey the time of day. Then the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins moved to my hometown and I started to kind of like it. I used how great live hockey is as an excuse to go the games, but I never cared about the NHL.

Then I moved to Philadelphia.

I've only gone to a handful of Flyers games, but the ones I have were incredible. The atmosphere beats every other sport hands down. I think its because hockey is such an exclusive club. You have to really be a fan to know the players and all the rules. So if the guy next to you knows what he's talking about then you immediately respect him and have a bond. I started last year just following the Flyers and fell in love with many of the players. Miraculously, the Broad Street Bullies made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. This year, however, I find myself paying attention to more than just the Fly Guys. It culminated about two weeks ago when HBO kicked off its 24/7 series following the Penguins and Capitals as they lead up to their New Year's Day Winter Classic match-up at Heinz Field.

Simply put: It's AWESOME.

You learn all about the protocols that take effect when it comes to fighting and the preparation. It follows players to their home lives and you see them off the ice. I'm sure that's exactly what Gary Bettman wanted when he OK'd the show, but I've got to tell you, it definitely worked. Between Sydney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, I can't stop watching. The coaches are enthralling and I find myself watching more and more hockey, even when Philly isn't playing. Not only are these guys superb athletes, they are tough as nails. Myself, standing at a mere 5'10'', always find myself rooting for the little guy. While most of these hockey guys could double as NFL linebackers, there are the occasional 'little guy' who gets the snot kicked out of him nightly and keeps coming back for more.

I can't pretend to be a loyal hockey fan. But I'm trying. I regret the years I spent bashing the NHL and now truly appreciate its place in sports culture and everything it provides to a city. My name is KC Jordan and I'm a hockey fan. It's been two days since my last game. And I can't wait to fall off the wagon.