A few years ago after my first full NHL season as a “fan”, I was afraid that it wouldn’t be the same the next season.  True, my first season as a fan I was definitely spoiled, Stanley Cup and all, but I was worried that it was all a façade, something that was simply a phase (a 9 month phase) and I wouldn’t feel the same way about it the following season. 

I counted down, as many of you have experienced in this off season, for the puck to drop.  And yet, I was nervous.  Terrified that this game that I thought I had fallen in love with was just my imagination taking over and making it something that it was not.

What if I didn’t remember the rules, or couldn’t find the puck on the ice?  Was I really impressed by the skating, the hitting, the saves, the goals?  Would I not feel that urge to jump out of my seat for a goal, or have sweaty palms when the Ducks were on their 7,000th penalty kill of the night?  Would hockey be everything I remembered it to be?

I was at that first home game the next season.

It was exactly as I had remembered it.  Unlike anything on Earth. 

Here I am again, counting down the days (soon to be hours and minutes) and this time, there is no question in my mind.  This time I know better.

Last season I was hit with an astounding blow while at the Honda Center.  The circumstances that revolve around this realization are irrelevant, it’s the epiphany that’s important here.

Hockey is my RELIGION.  The Honda Center, my Church. 

Church - The Honda Center

I’m sure I am not the only one who feels this way, but for me it was an important realization.  I’ve learned that my superstitious ways are means of respecting the hockey gods.  I have dedicated time and energy to bringing along new followers to this organization.  I am, in fact…FAN.

The Honda Center is my place of worship.  It’s where I go to praise the hockey gods.  I sing their hymms, Bro Hymm specifically.  I attend regularly, and it’s never enough.  I am there to see my savior, the man in the net.  I sit in my seat to show my respects, I join in the chorus of praise and show my ever lasting faith by wearing my church best on a regular basis. 

SKeleven, Selanne, Getzlaf & Carter

Hockey is my RELIGION. 

I’ll see you in Church.

GO DUCKS!!!

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