I got the idea for this article after one of my recent blog posts about superstitions. The idea also popped into my head while having a discussion via twitter with a couple other Rangers bloggers who all happen to be males. It’s an idea that I toyed with and decided to run with. I run slowly folks, so this could be a long run.
My story started back in September of the year 1992. I was 13 and in 8th grade, my last year of middle school. I probably was sporting some stretch pants with stirrups and a redonkulously oversized inside out sweatshirt. I remember my French class, there were three guys in there who all were Rangers fans, I believe. And in traditional Michelle fashion, I tried to impress them by watching hockey. Now, I’ll be honest, I watched my first game in the den of my house alone (it’s not as creepy as it sounds, trust me). I couldn’t figure out why the guy wearing the C on the upper corner of his jersey had his position on his jersey. Did they do that so they made sure they played in the right spots on the ice? Was it so the other C could keep an eye on him on the ice? What the heck was the A for? I was convinced that centers had to stay with the other team’s center, LW with LW, etc… I got annoyed with the TV and shut it off mid-game. The next day, I went to my local library as we didn’t have the internets then, and checked out a book on hockey. It would have been a hell of a lot quicker if Google existed back then… but I digress. I read the book front to back, back to front. It had lots of pictures. Days later… It was then that I had a better grasp on the game, and now knew that the C on the jersey was for CAPTAIN, not CENTER. This was also the first year I watched Olympic hockey. Being in NY, I became a Rangers fan. Not really sure why, but I did. By Olympics time, I had a better grasp of the game and actually enjoyed watching it. I loved the fast-paced action, and the fights. Oh the fights… It was the glorious era of Jeff Beukeboom, Tie Domi, Joey Kocur… I remember some of Beuke’s fights. Man that guy could that guy throw a right. Besides the fights, I loved watching Messier, Leetch, Graves and Richter on the ice. While I wouldn’t call them poetry in motion, they were quite lovely to watch. I remember that while I loved the game, watching the players wasn’t so bad. I loved the energy of the game, the chasing of the puck, the speed of the skaters and the agility of the goalies. Even watching at home, you could feel the energy at MSG through the TV. I remember my first game at MSG, my first game at Nassau Coliseum. Both were extremely loud. I cried when the Rangers won the cup in 1994. I loved watching the play, and to this day, I love analyzing the PK. I don’t know why, it just fascinates me. I used to love when games went into OT back then. I thought it was the cat’s pajamas to have another 20 minutes of play. Now, I’m a big fan of the shootout. Big Fan. Except when Erik Christensen shoots wide. But again, I digress…
I also had developed an interest in playing. I played all during high school, ice and roller hockey. But mainly roller hockey. I was far less graceful on ice. I played in 2 leagues most years, and played on all-male teams. I loved playing, loved the quickness of the game. I watched games on TV intently. I could dissect a PK better than most guys. It was my specialty when I played. I could rattle off the roster, complete with jersey numbers in alphabetical order or numerical order, you decide. It was quite marvelous. I wasn’t big on stats, I just liked watching the game. Occasionally, we’d meet players at autograph sessions, but I never had the idea of heading to a hotel in hopes of actually hooking up with a player.
When guys asked me, and still do, who my favourite players are, I tell them. If a player is remotely good looking, they assume that I like them solely based on looks. Now, while that argument does hold some truth, it is not the sole reason why I like a player. I like them based on their performance on the ice and off the ice (minds out of the gutter people). I’m talking charity, giving back, being a genuine class act. That being said, who are my favourite players, you ask? Well, since you asked so nicely I’ll indulge you…
Brad Richards – yes, setting aside his devilish good looks, he is really a talented player. Have you seen this man pass a puck? It’s a thing of beauty. I could watch video of him passing the puck for hours. He’s a humble guy, team player, and a fantastic giver-backer. Yes, that’s the technical term. +1 for charity! +1 for being able to pass the puck dead on backwards!
John-Michael Liles (Toronto) – again, yes he’s good looking. But the man is solid on D. Solid. A great play maker and knows when to step up and when to stay back. Again, he’s a great community presence in the Denver and now Toronto community. He, like Richards, did a charity event only minutes after he signed with the Leafs. Keepin’ it classy. Plus he’s ridiculously funny and watches “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. +1 for ‘hashtag JML’. And did you catch his hair last season? SICK. Give that man another +1!
Henrik Lundqvist – No explanation needed here. The man OWNS the net. + infinity, cause he’s Henrik Lundqvist!
And last but not least Mark Stuart (Winnipeg) – I remember watching him play while he was in Boston. I liked his style of play. He’s not afraid to put his body in front of the puck, and he’s not afraid to use his size and strength to win battles in the corners. When he’s on the ice, his physical presence is felt. He’s also an amazingly humble guy with awesomely epic taste in music. +1 for being my musicsoulmate!
Now I was curious. Does that classify me as a girl who likes the game solely for the players’ good looks? After several cups of coffee and bantering back and forth with myself, I came to the realization that it does not. I’ve never referred to myself, in person or on the internets as ‘Mrs Richards’ or ‘Mrs Liles’ as I’ve seen many people do. I’ve not photoshopped myself into a photo with them. I’ve not stalked a player outside of their hotel. The closest I’ve come is putting someone’s number at the end of my screen name or a password. I’ve never chased down a player to get an autograph to only slip them my number. I have, however, joked about blindfolding Brad Richards (solely for the purpose of seeing if his passing is really that good), and kidnapping Roman Polak… But it was all in good fun. And frankly, if anyone is strong enough to wrestle down the Polak Bear, tie him up and ship him to me, they can do it. But I wish them much luck and a speedy recovery. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good swooning every once in a while, but taking it to the point where I watch hockey only for the ‘hotness factor’ will never come. But I won’t lie, it does make for watching the interviews that much better…
Then I got even curiouser. I have many female friends who love hockey. I wanted to hear their stories… how they got into hockey, why they liked hockey, etc… Here’s what my scientific research lead to:
I guess the speed & that it isn't boring like the other sports.. (football takes too long to line up really need to start doing so while the clock is going tho I can sometimes watch) Basketball I just don't like no idea why & Baseball well to me they’re a bunch of wusses. (Get a papercut & out for a week). Golf. Need I say Golf is like watching Paint dry? There's a lot more going on, on the ice & around than I think during other sports/games. Plus I loved the environment. The electricity in the air even tho it isn't a playoff game or any of importance.
-Kim Marie, NJ Devils Fan
I really liked it [figure skating], but quickly became enamored with hockey. Very fascinated by the player whose last name looked like "rabbit tail"... who was that?! Luc Robitaille!
In high school I finally started going to games. A neighbor of mine worked with Wayne Gretzky's race horses and gave my dad and I tickets to a game vs. the Sabres. Kings won 7-2, what a great time I had! And that season (92-93) the Kings did well & exceeded all expectations, moving on to the finals. If not for Marty McSorely's curved stick... who knows what could have happened? One very-cool experience I had was during the finals--my friend Hilary & I got up at 5am to go see the Stanley Cup on display at a nearby hotel. We got there & she, her dad, and I were the only ones there! I know that doesn't happen in Canada, ha! It was great, seeing all the trophies up close.
-Lisa, Boston Bruins Fan
I started being a hockey fan probably when I was like 7 or 8. Growing up in Montreal, you have almost no choice of being a hockey fan as the city lives and breath hockey. My dad would take me to go see the Montreal Canadiens Juniors, the farm team of the Montreal Canadiens back then. I remember watching Pat Lafontaine playing for them. Of course I started by being a Montreal Canadiens fan as I didn't know any better.
-Sandra, St Louis Blues Fan
When I was a sophomore in college, I became friendly with a classmate who was a die-hard New York Rangers fan and got seriously into hockey because of this person. I started going to games, memorizing stats, collecting memorabilia, and occasionally meeting players. … I did enjoy collecting memorabilia though, and used to go to card shows pretty frequently on weekends. I still have a few unusual pieces of memorabilia such as a set of Red Army cards, a Russian Penguins hat, an '85 Edmonton Oilers guide, etc.But what draws me more towards hockey is that aforementioned energy level, the speed, and complexity of the game. There's so much going on all at once, which, for me, is part of the thrill….I appreciated -- and still appreciate -- hockey because it's energetic, engaging, and deliberate. It's a very straight-to-the-point game which everyone can follow. It's got action and athleticism, but also, a universal appeal.
-Krista, NY Rangers Fan
So, as my scientific research proves, we’re not all about the looks. I asked these ladies what they like about the game and what drew them into the game. Not one of us said that the looks of the players drew us in. We all were enamored by the speed and energy of the game. But we all do have an occasional swooning moment.
See? We can like the game for the game.
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