Game 1 and my inability to watch it

Folks, game 1 of the cup final tonight. My prediction? Well, it can go ether way. I love LA and they're talent, but I've been a huge Martin Brodeur fan since I was a wee-little boy. As much as I want New Jersey taking their 4th cup in 17 years, I think the Kings have been patient... And by patient I mea 45 years patient.

I might not be able to catch it because I am currently in the waiting room of the doctors office. For the past few days my throat/mouth has been in a peril of pain and swolleness. I thought it was time to give in and check in with the professionals. I think my home remedies of Halls cough drops and ginger ale serves its purpose, but not in this case.

Stanley Cup Finals and I'm an adult

A little while has passed, and quite a bit has happened in the hockey world, and my personal world.

New York defeated Washington in quite the hard-fought series. As much as I wanted the Capitals to win (because NY took out Ottawa, and it would be quite the underdog story for Braden Holtby), it would be cool to see a Lundqvist/Kings final. But, I want New Jersey to take it to the Cup final. Give Brodeur one more. That would be a sweet way to retire; do the ol' Scotty Bowman "sign your papers during the ceremony" sherrah. Although he does have a couple Stanley Cups, some hardware, including two Olympic medals, one more can't hurt?

And, today, I officially became an adult. I'm still trying to comprehend it actually. I can now legally vote, own a credit card, buy lottery tickets, all that jazz.

18 years ago my mother gave birth to possibly the greatest thing since the telephone (who are we kidding). All jokes aside, I'm blessed I've been able to spend 18 wonderful, amazing years with an amazing group of supportive and wonderful people. Many thanks to those who have made my life a blast to live!

"Our worst day, is their everyday."

Just settled to watch the Capitals-Rangers game on CBC, and Ron MacLean made a good point.

These two teams, their cities rather, were victims of the terrible 9/11 attacks back in 2001. It never dawned on me, that almost 11 years ago, this act shook the whole world. Ron went on the credit all emergency personnel, volunteers, virtually anyone who helped aid those who needed it that day.

Then he said something that got to me;
"Our worst day, is their everyday."

Coming from a family where my grandfather, and two uncles served and fought for our country, makes me think that we don't give enough credit where credit is due. The ones who put their life on the line, so we can keep living ours, is something some of us, myself included, seem to forget about.

Just a quick thought I had before puck drop.

About myself

Where to start...

The first hockey game I watched was in 1999; Wayne Gretzky's last NHL game that he played in Canada. I was watching it with my grandfather, who was babysitting me as my mom and grandmother had gone to do some chores. All game I had been asking tons of questions;
"Why do their chests look so big?"
"Whats that picture on the tummy?" (Referring to the Senators "centurion" logo)
"Who is that waving to the crowd?"

That's when I learned who Wayne Gretzky was. The last regular season game he played in Canada, and this is when I learn about who he is. Granted I was born in 1994, and this being my first hockey game ever watched. Regardless, I was so intrigued and into the whole game, that's when I fell in love.

Did I play organized hockey myself? No. Growing up with only my sister, my mom, and seeing my dad once a month, money had always been tight, and had to pass on organized sports. That changed going into high school, where I joined hockey (bought the equipment myself) and soccer. I still don't play organized hockey, only pickup. Usually with some friends from church on Friday nights after our youth group.

I grew up and currently live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I am a die hard Senators fan, and have a soft spot for the Montreal Canadiens (my grandfather being from Quebec and cheering for them since he was a kid).

My grandfather was always someone I looked up to, but sadly, he passed in March of 2005. I believe it was because of the NHL lockout, that no games were played. That's my theory, which I plan to stick with.

I'm currently finishing my last year of high school, and hoping to go to school for radio and television broadcasting to become a hockey analyst/sportscaster. Since I couldn't play when I was younger, and my chance to make the big leagues is slim pickings, I want to get as close to the action as I can.

Journalism is a possibility, this would be a great start I find. Why not see where life takes me?

Thanks for stopping by. Come by soon, I plan to update this as often as I can.

-Nick