Hockey! 2008 version
Posted 3 years, 5 months ago at 11:00 am. 0 comments
I just finished reading The Game by Ken Dryden and let me tell you, it has me all sorts of excited for hockey – in 3 ways. Let me list them for you! Okay? Okay!
1) Playing. I just signed up for Winter 2008-09 Adult League hockey in Vancouver (WA). It has been WAY too long since I played in an adult game, or even much at all. Since I moved to Portland I’ve been skating a couple times, and played a few “family” games with a mix of kids and beginner adults. Believe me, I LOVE those types of games – they are usually the most fun for me. But being able to play in a real game with similarly-skilled folks (or better) really gets me excited. I love being challenged and forced to step it up beyond what I’m comfortable with. I get pumped up about games like that. Plus I’m excited to get back into hockey shape again. Nothing gets you more stoked about getting in shape than having something to get in shape FOR. I’m ready to get my hockey-glutes back.
2) Watching. October = hockey pre-season. Almost here!
3) Olympics. Vancouver 2010.
One of the last chapters if The Game deals with the impact of the Soviets on the evolution of the game in the NHL – and later, the Europeans, too. And the additional chapter Dryden added for the 20th anniversary edition discusses the huge changes that have occurred in the league since the 70s… and how many Russian, European and American players are now playing in the NHL. This is something I’m just accustomed to having only picked up the interest in hockey in the last couple years. But now that I really think about it I can see how different countries encourage different styles of play (probably less evident now than when they were more isolated/separated from each other, but still noticeable). So of course I start thinking about international competition, and naturally the Olympics. The Vancouver games are still about a year and a half away, but I am super excited … because 1) Winter Olympics (hockey, curling, speed skating, snowboarding, yay) and 2) Canada!
Since I learned the next Winter games would be in Vancouver I’ve had this sneaky feeling that I NEED to try and go see them. When are they going to be this close to Oregon again? And also, I love Canada, hockey, and Vancouver BC! I went to the website for the 2010 Olympics and signed up for their mailing list notifying when tickets go on sale. I really don’t have any idea how much they will cost (not to mention hotel, plane, etc.) but I’m really thinking the ‘investment’ would be worth it. We’ll see… And even if I commit to getting some tickets it seems they can be tricky to get. Lotteries, waiting lists, etc. etc… But I am seriously looking into it. How crazy would that be? I would never dream I’d get to see a single Olympic event… if I even got to see one Olympic hockey game that would be super rad. And though it wouldn’t be the best time to go and do touristy things in Vancouver because there would be people EVERYWHERE, but it’d still be nice to just check out the city and Whistler, too (where the mountain events will be held).
Kind of a pipe dream, but everyone needs one right? Tickets go on sale next month.
