Have I mentioned I love hockey?

Seriously, I don't think I talk about this wonderful sport enough. I admit, I'm a bit of a "fair weather" fan. Not so much in who I cheer for (sadness still for the Nashville Predators no longer being in the Playoffs) but for the fact that I tend to watch sporadically. That is, until playoff hockey rolls around.

There are two reasons that playoff hockey gets me watching more:

1. Games are actually televised

2. The hockey is much better

Let's take these topics item by item ...

1. Why is it that hockey is a second class sport? Why is basketball on television all the time and hockey is lucky to get one night even on cable television? Do that many more people really like basketball? Not the people I talk to. Most people I talk to could really care less about basketball. Those that watch basketball seem to do so because it's on (and they can't seem to watch any non-sports television). I realize that most of the country is not as obsessed about the sport as my home state of Minnesota where in March you can find the State High School Hockey Tournament covered game by game through the whole weekend of the tournament. But, I think that the reason more people don't watch hockey is simple ... it's not on television. Oh, how I miss the days of living in Minnesota where there was always a hockey game on some cable channel.

2. I used to think that hockey was hockey and playoff hockey wasn't any better or more competitive, but that's just not the case. During the playoffs you find guys who haven't checked someone all year hitting at every opportunity. You find a few more fights breaking out. You find guys skating like their paycheck depends on it (oh, that's right ... during the playoffs it does). Goalies are out of their minds with the saves they are making. Forwards are skating circles around defensemen. Enforcers are picking their guy and running for him. It's a great game!

I admit I am obsessed with the sport. Lately, I watch every chance I get (and now I'm bummed that there are no games on today). I put the game on in the background no matter what I'm doing. I become more productive during the intermissions because I don't want to miss a minute of the game.

I also admit that I view hockey as an activity. It's not something I passively watch, it's something I engage in. I'm thinking about the plays, I'm wondering who's on the ice, I'm considering which team will do what next. The best thing, I don't care who's playing. Yes, I cheer harder for some teams, but I don't care who's playing, I still actively watch. When it comes to baseball or football, I watch some teams but not others. Hockey, I watch whoever is on (heck it could be the B Pee Wee team and I'd watch it).

So, here's to hockey! I can't wait until tomorrow when I get to watch more!