It's been a long summer. A long summer without some puck. I've watched the World Cup, Baseball, British Open, Tennis, "The Decision", and way too much reality television. Let me tell you what I have learned in my very biased opinion.
Hockey is the best. The players are real. The sport is the most genuine. I'm not taking away from people who loved the World Cup, or hung on every word of Lebron's ridiculous 60 minute special, or NASCAR lovers or even those who somehow made it through 4 days of bad golf depite Louie's heroics on the final day. Hey, I love golf! Just not boring golf. And I like basketball, just not hour long shows about NOTHING. And I loved watching the USA scratch and claw their way to the final 16 teams, just no interest in watching a guy violently snap his leg in half, only to find out he was flopping to get a call in the 13th minute at midfield.
Here is my point. In hockey, if you get hurt, we KNOW it. They usually get carted off on a stretcher, or wrapped up in a towel to avoid getting more blood on the ice surface. Some players even get their teeth (Duncan Keith lost 7) knocked out in the middle of the game and come back to play only to lift the Holy Grail later. If a hockey game last 150 minutes, you get to see some action. Bone crushing hits, smack talk, playmaking, up and down action that unlike some sports, has some GOALS to celebrate.
I admit, I am a sucker for the Bachelorette, Survivor, and sometimes HGTV's Design Star (don't tell anyone), but that's for the drama. The stupid, on the edge-of-your-seat drama that only reality tv can provide. The kind of drama that after the show is over, I look at my wife and say, "Did I just spend an hour of my lfe watching that garbage?" And then, make sure I have it on DVR for next week.
For some reason, I just understand the hockey world better. The efoort and money it takes to raise a child in the sport. The 6am practice schedule, the games at midnight, and the grind of traveling from one small city to another. YET, regardless of their age, they play hard. EVERY NIGHT. I applaud all professional athletes for what they do and how they do it...God knows, my humble sports career in Wyoming couldn't hold a candle to most 14 year olds nowadays. But I am still entitled to my opinion. And in my opinion, hockey stands above all. How long until October?
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