One of my favourite childhood memories was the Mighty Ducks movies. Here was an amazing trilogy that had humour, family values, eye candy (a pre-Pacey Joshua Jackson), intense sporting rivalries and of course ice hockey. Growing up in South Africa, all we had was field hockey. And like most things foreign and out of reach, ice hockey seemed exciting and something I needed in my life.
It's taken a couple of years but I finally got to experience my first ice hockey game. And not just any game. I was going to see the Vancouver Canucks (obvs because of location) playing the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. They were real and they were going to make my childhood self extremely happy.
...You can't walk to your seat while the national anthem is playing.
...Oh Canada is an interesting national anthem.
...Hearing the Star Spangled Banner makes you think you're in a movie.
...Canucks fans are not happy with Kesler.
...It's a very quiet game, they play music during breaks and between plays to get the crowd going but otherwise it's very chilled.
...Canadians are even polite when watching sport. The meanest thing I heard was "You suck". Can you imagine if they had to go to a soccer or rugby game.
...It is a great date opportunity. As evident by the couple next to me. He talked her through the game and I tried to listen in without being a creep.
...Hockey sticks get broken easily.
...Grown ass men make ice skating look very graceful.
...Everyone knows the words to Sweet Caroline.
...During the periods, mini Canucks play a game. They are so cute and so little, my ovaries hurt.
...A player can catch a puck with his hand if it's high but he has to drop it straight after.
...Goalies can do the splits in their get-up.
...Beers come with lids on which is a lifesaver.
...Some Ducks fans come with their own whistle which they blow when they score.
...A penalty shootout is nerve-wracking in any sport.
...There is no Flying V :(
Ex-Oh! Ex-Oh!
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