Surfeited with Dainties - Michael Brendan Dougherty

Entries in Hockey (2)

Hell on Ice

Where I will Clear my Head Before Soaking it.I had the pleasure of seeing some solid minor league hockey this weekend in Massachusetts on a trip to visit friends. I regret to report that the Springfield Falcons lost 5-2 , giving up 4 unanswered goals in the third period to the Worcester Sharks. Hockey fans are uniquely devoted to their sport. I've known many fans of basketball who watch a game here or there - or who follow the whole league without great favor given to any team. The experience of reporting passionately for the Utah Jazz of John Stockton and Karl Malone - who managed never to win an NBA title despite 18 consecutive playoff appearances and who lost twice to the Chicago Bulls in the Finals (of the combined 12 games - 11 were decided within a few points) - permanently turned me away from basketball fanaticism. Too much is enough.

Anyway, despite what seemed like a sorry second period in which both teams had slow legs the Sharks put together a dazzling passing game in third period to give them the lead. All the goals were pretty. I'm now of the firm opinion that minor league hockey is the perfect solution to that period of time between working (or happy hour) on Friday afternoon 5:00- 6:00 and the "going out" time which seems to be between 9:30-10:30. I'll test out what could be a small revolution in social life upon my Christmas-New Years return to Brewster. You will find me rooting for the sublimely named (and decorated) Danbury Trashers - whose slogan is, oddly enough "Hell on Ice."

Posted on 11/28/2006 12:04 PM by

Michael Brendan Dougherty in Hockey |

The Devils, Sidney Crosby and the Blackhawks.

Since the inception of Surfeited with Dainties there has been no ice hockey- and so it has been totally absent from the blog. Coming soon will be a list of hockey blogs and links. My devotion to this game (as a fan only) began at a young age in Bloomfield, New Jersey. My great aunt or my uncle would take me to East Rutherford, New Jersey which would be entirely inappropriate if it were not for Brendan Byrne Arena (I STILL refuse to call it by its novel, ugly corporate name.)

I have of course been blessed to be a New Jersey Devils fan for the duration of the 1990's and up until their last Stanley Cup win. During this time I was also a fan of Utah Jazz basketball. I'm told I like "boring, tedious excellence" in my sports teams. So be it. The first labor stoppage in the NHL that I experienced resulted when the sport was in its best shape after an epic Conference Finals between the Devils and the Rangers. The sport never quite recovered.

The cancellation of the 2004-2005 season only intensified my love for the game. I went out and bought ice skates and began a long but certain process of learning to play the game. (Essay forthcoming, I swear)

But enough of that.

The big theoretical discussion of hockey fans is where superstar Quebec kid, Sidney Crosby should play. The most obvious answer is "my team" - but most hockey fans are thinking of some greater good for the sport. Sidney Crosby is the most anticipated player since Eric Lindross or Wayne Gretzky - where he lands is vitally important to the health of the league. Sidney already has a major endorsement deal with Gatorade (even though Powerade is officially linked to the NHL) The Net Files has an analysis on how he would fit in any team - and he seems to recommend the Chicago Blackhawks. I couldn't agree more. The Chicago Blackhawks, an original six hockey club in a huge market, have fallen furthest from grace.

Posted on 7/22/2005 12:09 AM by

Michael Brendan Dougherty in Hockey |

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