Hockey is Back???
I used to be such a fan of Hockey especially when I lived in Ottawa a few years. It wasn’t the Rideau Canal or the brutally winters either. I had hardcore fan roommates and the crappy Landsdowne Arena where the Senators first played was a few blocks up the street. All of us were Toronto transplants. Ottawa just got their team and the locals didn’t have to split their alliances to Toronto or Montreal. It was pretty special seeing the team get slaughtered. Our house had friendly bets whether the HABS or the LEAFS would dominate the SENS more. We had a favourite underdog on the team of underdogs (the helmetless bad ass Brad Marsh). Many beers were “earned” through by all of us through Sport Select upsets. A lot has happened to the SENATORS and the game since the early years…
The novelty died off for me. I came back to Toronto. The watering down of the league continued. Quebec became the Avalanche and then won the Cup and even that was little consolation. The Forum was auctioned off and turned into an AMC Theatre and the Gardens hmmm… Loblaws is still trying to get in there (Wow talk about disrespect!!!) Hockey Night in Canada went on only at playoff time…then not at all. The more I looked the more I saw the game losing it’s soul. The lockout almost seemed like a blessing. A restful pause to the madness. The owners trying to make a buck on a new coloured jersey or whatever had to sit one out. Oh well the big guys “got wise” and found it cheaper to not let the players play and then had them begging to come back… All at the expense of the fans.
Imagine my dilemma. While my luck of late has not been the best, today I had a twist of fate (the benefit of working near the BIG corporate heads). I was given tickets by one of the executive to the Sabres game next week. I decided that a decendant/relative of of the white and blue would be the only one who could make me a born again fan and truly enjoy my good fortune. So I’m inviting my old friend who can still love the LEAFS through the BALLARD years, the loss of Wendal, and no cup since 66-67. If he doesn’t get me back “in the game” I have no hope…
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I know the feeling. I wasn’t a fan forever but really started watching the Leafs about 4 years ago or so. I love the games, I love when Eddie does well and last season was horrible. The history might not be there for me as it is with you but I really hope this season does some exciting things (Even though we lost our game 2 days ago. We were just playing our rookies and newbies so we still have to give them time)