I have a confession to make… I’m really not much of a sports fan. I shouldn’t have to apologize for that, but the atmosphere in Winnipeg these days is hockey hockey hockey, and at times, I don’t quite dare say that out loud. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really happy that we have our Jets back; and I think it’s a great thing for Winnipeg. I’m just not as ecstatic as your average Winnipeg hockey fan.
I have been known to get into watching the Olympics and there was even a year or two where I took an interest in the Tour de France. Occasionally, I like to watch a FIFA soccer game (although usually the announcers make me fall asleep… seriously, their voices are so soothing; so much so that I’m considering recording a game so that I can play it just before going to bed).
As a kid, I spent every recess and lunch in the winter with my hockey skates on. We had a rink right next to our school and we’d go out and play hockey no matter what, even if just for a 15 minute game. I wasn’t very good at it, but I did love it. I can’t quite get into watching other people play it though; except during playoffs, the energy picks up then so it gets more exciting from my perspective – most especially if I hold off until the last period to start watching it! Oh and I remember getting really into hockey for one year in high school, grade 10 I think – that would have been the 92/93 season.
Anyways, despite my general lack of interest in sports, I was really excited to be a part of Winnipeg history yesterday. Rob and I weren’t in the crowd of lucky ones who got to be at the rink watching the game unfold, but we did make it out to The Forks to watch it on TV screens set up on each side of the outdoor stage. It was fun people-watching, seeing the excited fans, the mix of old and new logos and just the general sports culture. Pretty cool watching the puck drop and the game start; just being part of the anticipation of it all. We stayed until after the first period ended and then made our way to my sisters house to watch the rest of the game while eating our Thanksgiving dinner. All in all, a pretty good opening day. Go Jets go!!!