Evolving Hockey Love

I don't post as much as I used to and I'm not sure why. Back when I started Wild Puck Banter I had intended to blog after each game, give my thoughts and opinions about what had happened in that game, and comment about the NHL game in general. I started out with much gusto, posting 4 to 5 times a week and watching countless hours of hockey.

These days I don't blog that much anymore. I've got a first year squirt and the responsibilities that come with it. While I still watch most of the Wild games, I do miss one here and there. I seldom stay up past 10pm and watch the West coast games and often fall asleep on the couch just as the Canadian national anthem is sung in Vancouver. I have seen countless hours of youth hockey this year, worked the concession stand and penalty box many times and could enjoy watching the passion that fourth graders have for the game.

My love of this great game is evolving. Five years ago I could name every team's top prospects and explain in depth why Jacques Lemaire's trap was a good thing for the game. Today not so much. Ask me today where the best hockey bars in St. Paul are and I couldn't give you an answer, but ask me what northern rinks have the best locker rooms and I can write you a long list. I'm seeing the game through the eyes of my son now and that's a good thing.

I see his excitement when his team scores a goal. I feel his sadness when he doesn't get a shift in the third period because the coach lost track of the lines. I share his hunger when we stop for a egg mcmuffin and hash browns before weekend morning games. Hockey for me is changing, that much is clear.