Back to Posting

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post. I have been thinking about it this week after a few comments about my lack of updates. I guess it's time I got back to it.

Last weekend I went to the final Grizzlies playoff game. The Grizzlies lost 1 to 4 to the Idaho Steelheads. I have to admit it wasn't much of a game, which encouraged me to check out the crowd a bit more than I usually do. I actually found 'people watching' pretty entertaining. I'm starting to think that Hockey fans are an extremely strange group. I'm sure that's not a big surprise to anyone that has ever been to a game.
I like the game personally, but from what I saw I don't think I could honestly call myself a true fan.

Watching the crowd and the game did bring up a few questions that I wish I understood better.

1. How do the hockey players know when to go onto or leave the ice during the game?

I watched this closely for quite a while and could not figure it out. No one seems to signal the players as far as I could tell and the players on the bench didn't seem to replace the same players on the ice each time. If anyone can enlighten me on this subject I'd appreciate it. I seriously want to understand how they do it.

2. I can understand why fans yell their opinions to the refs during a game. Who doesn't? What I don't understand is why fans feel the need to shout out commands to the players or coaches?

Do they really expect to be heard? If so, do they really think that anyone will listen and actually follow their suggestions? If they are under this delusion that they are actually helping or that someone could actually benefit from hearing them, shouldn't they at least get seats closer to the ice so that everyone else doesn't have to listen to them.

3. Do people actually look in the mirror before they leave for a hockey game?

I couldn't believe some of the things I saw in the crowd. This crowd had it all. From real mohawk hairdos (notice the plural) to the shirtless guys covered waist to forehead in paint.
I suppose that's why I can't consider myself a true fan. I just don't get the need to go beyond a jersey or possibly a hat to show team support.