Icecapades, Hockey's Revival Story

Being born and raised in South Florida, the only ice I ever dealt with was in the freezer or a dispenser at a hotel or fast food joint. Sure there were roller hockey leagues, but the prospect of falling on my rear repeatedly wasn't too appealing. Still, I have always been fascinated with this game.



In my opinion it is inexplicably neglected by the average sports fan. If more people were to watch and understand the game I think many more would be made into fans. Ever since the strike the NHL has been struggling mightily. Why though? Are people mad?



How easily we forget the NFL's player strike in the early 80's; the MLB strike in the midst of the 1994 season; the NBA strike that shortened the 1998-99 season to just a '99 season. Sure, baseball had to earn some fans back, but coverage wasn't bumped from the main networks and relegated to 'Versus' (really ESPN?) People didn't just turn their backs on the sport the way we have done to the NHL.



It can't be that it is boring, or that the other sports have something that hockey does not. Hockey has the physicality of football (ok perhaps a notch below); requires the hand-eye coordination of baseball; and allows the individuality of basketball--so what's the problem?

A lack of understanding for the game? That's an excuse wives around the world use to get out of watching football. Perhaps it's the fact that it is only ingrained in the culture of cold-weather states and countries. Regardless of the reason, people are missing out.

So far this has been on of the most exciting post seasons that any sport has seen in a while. You have it all...The young stars of the league facing off, and living up to all the hype. Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have put on a show. Matching hat tricks in an OT thriller? Now a game 7?

You have the defending champion Red Wings still alive, trying to defend their crown....then there are the storied hockey franchises (Boston and Chicago) trying to return to prominence...then there are the always overlooked, yet ultra consistent Hurricanes lurking...there is so much excitement that one would expect to see the Ducks bust out the 'Flying V' at any moment.

Look, all I'm sayin is give the sport a chance. I am not a fanatic by any means, but I sincerely feel that anyone not watching is missing out. Don't go on what people say about the sport, just watch and judge for yourself. Who knows, after this post season, NHL Hockey Night may be back on ESPN...but one could only hope they reject the offer. It should have never been booted to begin with. Of course, you know what they say...money talks....you fill in the rest.