Hockey States

The Colorado Avalanche pulled off a win in game seven last night against the formidable San Jose Sharks. While cruising along looking for commentary, I came across this article on the state of hockey in North Carolina - traditionally a strong bastion of basketball. I thought it was particularly interesting especially in light of my recent trip to Kentucky, another basketball haven.

If you think that hockey is too dull or too low scoring or too violent or too long you probably haven't given the sport enough of a chance. I read an article somewhere recently (I'm pretty sure it was by Mitch Albom, but can't recall for certain) that talked about how great Detroit was as a hockey town. The author recollected an anecdote of being behind two women in line at the grocery store who were discussing the merits of the Red Wings forecheck. He was so proud that hockey was so deeply ingrained in the local citizenry. I've been keeping my ears open lately and have been hearing similar well versed women through Denver discussing the various merits of hockey. My brother's girlfriend - who is from the Dominican Republic and a most unlikely (traditionally) hockey fan - impressed me a great deal with her discussion of the Kyle McLaren hit on Montreal's Richard Zednick.

I will join the Laughing Hyena in imploring all of you who don't think that you like hockey to turn on ABC at 1 PM MST this Saturday to watch the first game of the Western Conference Finals between Detroit and Colorado. The game will feature more future hall of famers than you can shake a stick at. Detroit-Colorado has become one of the biggest rivalries in sports. It will feature, argueably, the two best goalies in hockey. It has all of the making of a very exciting game and should be enough to make just about anyone like hockey. Watch it.

Jonathan 5/16/2002 03:15:00 PM