Eight Things

Sarah decided to tag me. While I feel compelled not to play along since this blog focusses exclusively on hockey-related matters, I realize that I rarely let anyone see who the writer is. Why? I like my privacy, and I like being objective without any prejudices being placed upon me. But since Sarah tagged me so nicely, here are my eight things I should confess.

"1. All right, here are the rules.
2. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
3. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
4. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
5. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog."

Sounds easy, right? Here we go.

1. I agree with Mark Cuban that we, as bloggers, should not report rumours to be cold, hard facts. I think that we, as bloggers, serve an important purpose in sports as we're the everyday fan who is truly passionate about our teams and causes, and we're the voice of the die-hards. However, in being the passionate fans, we should check our sources twice and thrice in order to be as objective as possible. Have I made mistakes? Sure. I'm only human. However, I tend to shy away from rumours because they are what they are, and nothing more. I intend to adhere to this practice as much as possible as well. I certainly think that bloggers should be considered for positions with major media outlets, and I believe that more sports teams would benefit if they listened to their blogging fans.

2. Hockey may be my religion, but I have a great appreciation for movies. My DVD collection is ridiculous, but it contains movies that I simply can watch over and over again. I've been asked, on occasion, for my "Top Ten Favorite Movies", but I cannot pick just ten. There are so many reasons and factors that contribute to a movie being good. Sometimes, I think I should have started a movie blog. However, I like the hockey community I have found, and I love the passion that this community has for the game. I'd miss the writers and readers too much.

3. I have met, through my hockey experiences, many hockey players. Some of the more notable players include Vladislav Tretiak, Guy Lafleur, Serge Savard, Yvon Cournoyer, Paul Henderson, and Mike Modano. Yes, Modano is the odd name on that list, but he is truly one of the nicest guys I have met (although all the guys on that list were really generous with their time). Teemu Selanne also falls into that category - genuinely one of the nicest guys ever. Keith Tkachuk? Not so much. The guy was a jerk. He's the polar opposite of the Selannes and Modanos in hockey.

4. I only own authentic hockey jerseys. I am a firm believer that if you drop $100 on a replica, you're not a "true fan". Fake jersey = fake fan in my opinion. Save your money and go pro. Not only do the jerseys feel of a higher quality, they look better too. I'm not bringing anyone down for owning replica jerseys, though. All I am saying is that it's not for me.

5. I have a scar under my left eye from stopping a slapshot with my face when I was a teenager. I spent eight hours in the emergency room on Christmas Eve in order to get five stitches. The doctor said I was lucky as I could have been blind or lost my eye had it hit me one-half inch higher. Christmas that year was tough since I could barely see out of one eye. However, chicks dig scars, right? Well, maybe not.

6. I'd like to work for a hockey team in some capacity. I'd like to be an assistant general manager or a scout. Of course, I'd love to be a player, but I am aware I don't have that kind of talent. I'd also like to be an equipment manager. I think they have one of the most underappreciated jobs in all of sports. My dream hockey job would be working for the NHL to grow the game in the southern United States. I would love the opportunity to go to the grassroots levels in the southern US and really promote the game of hockey. Give me an opportunity, Mr. Bettman. And I'll need some time too.

7. I abhor the NFL. People find this surprising. It's not because of the marketing or the money or the players or anything people might associate with why one would hate the most successful professional sports organization in North America. I hate it because I find it to be boring. Yes, boring. I've seen hockey scores that are higher than some NFL scores. Three-and-out and punt followed by three-and-out and punt does not appeal to me. I like seeing the ball thrown deep. I like 49-48 scores. I like offence. This is why I like the new NHL. 9-6 games are exciting in the NHL, not in the NFL.

8. I am still a fan of the New York Islanders' Fishermen jerseys. I own a Darius Kasparaitis #11 Fisherman jersey. Yes, I am quite proud of it. No, I'll never get rid of it. I don't care if I've worn it down to individual threads, I will always keep that jersey. However, I don't like the Islanders' franchise.

Ok, so those are eight things that make me tick, so to speak. Now who shall I tag?

Steph of No Pun Intended
Elly of No Pun Intended
The Dark Ranger
E of A Theory of Ice
Dear Lord Stanley
Jibblescribbits
Eighty-Two of A Great Day For Hockey

That's enough, I think. Ok, kids, get at it. We can all learn a little about each other rather than just being faceless drones behind a monitor. Besides, we're all colleagues and we all should support one another. We're a growing part of hockey whether mainstream media and the NHL like it or not.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!