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How frustrating hockey season can be!
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
The girls at the Express always make fun of my addiction to a great hockey game.
In addition to having numerous jobs and trying to keep myself busy, I am an avid (maybe eccentric) hockey fan.
Die-hard Oilers fan to the bone, if you even mention the thought of me cheering for the stupid Calgary Flames, I will likely either make fun of you or challenge you for reasons not to cheer for the team.
In fact, my favourite joke is “What is the difference between the Calgary Flames and a bra? A bra has two cups.” Makes me laugh every time, even as I’m writing this... I’m giggling.
However; my constant internal battle always starts this time of year, when I try to decide if watching the Oilers game is more important than finding time to spend with my beloved family. Pathetic indeed, but an actual truth in my books.
Each year I’m hopeful changes made in the off season will make my team playoff caliber. Unfortunately, just by watching their pathetic power plays makes me understand why we struggle each year.
I had a friend tell me recently that his son’s hockey team has better defence in the last minute of play than the Oilers. While I was slightly insulted by his comment, I couldn’t really find a valid argument. Take for example a few games this season, when the Oilers had very healthy leads against various teams, decided they didn’t need to play as hard anymore and ended up losing or going to overtime as a result of their less than stellar play.
Truth be known, I have a few guesses as to who will be the final teams standing at the end of the year... and these teams do not include my precious Oilers. While I would be in my glory to see them hold Lord Stanley’s cup one more time, I just don’t think this year is their year. Pat Quinn needs at least one year to erase all the residual damage from Craig MacTavish’s long stance with the Oil.
This year, my picks for the cup are San Jose Sharks and (grr) either Pittsburgh or Washington. I hate to admit it, but that young talent in Crosby and Ovenchkin is a sure bet for success.
San Jose is a team that I’ll grudgingly admit deserves a cup. I could get into the rationale of picking these teams, but I think I’d rather switch subjects before someone gets insulted with my reasoning.
NPHL and minor hockey
Some of my favourite hockey is provided by our local NPHL teams. Although these guys are working class, everyday hockey lovers, they provide us with over 20 games of decent paced hockey action.
More than promoting over-paid NHL players, I think we should throw some support our local teams’ way, including minor hockey.
There is nothing more impressive than watching a minor hockey league game. These little tykes are learning how to better their hockey game, and still play for the pure passion of the “game”.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive activity to experience on the weekend this winter with your family, why not check out a local NPHL or minor hockey league game?
You’ll be supporting your local hockey clubs while spending quality time with your kids and spouse.
With rinks in both McLennan and Falher, I’m sure there will be no shortage of hockey games for you to watch this winter.
This may be the busiest season at the Express, but it is also the most fun. Hockey’s back, and Christmas is coming (adorable school Christmas concerts).
The camera lens has been dusted off, and I’m eagerly awaiting standing by the ice surface snapping action shots of our local hockey players.
Thank goodness for winter!
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