Why Don't We Care About Hockey?

The Flyers are in the Stanley Cup Finals, and in Philadelphia, it SHOULD be a big deal. It doesn't feel that way.

When the Eagles are just in the playoffs, everywhere people are cheering even during the off days in preparation for the upcoming game. For the Flyers, who are in the championship game? Not so much. When the Phillies are in the World Series, forget it.

I think it represents that hockey still has some serious work to do to get back in the national spotlight, even a few years following their horrendous lockout. The last time the Flyers were in the Cup Final (1997,) the city was completely wrapped up in the team. Of course, we had much more captivating stars like Eric Lindros, John LeClair, and of course, Ron Hextall.

For me, I think the Flyers have always been my favorite Philadelphia team, because they were the best team in the city when I was young. My bedroom is covered in Flyers gear, and I remember being SO excited for the Flyers, not Eagles, Phillies, and definitely not the Sixers.

The NHL still needs to get on the national map. Make hockey the top story on ESPN daily. It needs to get out of the Versus TV contract and evolve into something with serious national spotlight. I'm not sure what channel can provide that amount of momentum besides ESPN, but Versus is clearly not the answer. Does anyone actually watch Versus for anything other than hockey and the annual Tour De France (does anyone even watch that?)

It's upsetting to me to see how little people seem to care about the championship round of a sport in their own city. I think the Phillies and Eagles have made Philly spoiled. We're not so desperate anymore, we just only root for teams we believe in, and nobody believes in the Flyers. Insert sad face here.

Anyways, Go Flyers!

I Really Love The Beanpot and College Sports

I originally passed on going to the opening round of the Beanpot last night - Between work 9-5 and then class 6-? (usually about a hour and a half but could of gone until 9) I figured I would of been too busy/tired. Class got out at 6:45, and BU's game was planned to start at 8. So with no ticket I went down to the Garden.

It was a potential waste of time, but I wanted to try to go scalp a seat anyway. Somehow there were still seats available. I am SO glad I went.

The Beanpot may only be a local Boston event, but it means so much to the four schools. It's a rare (although annual) opportunity for the schools to play at the TD Garden and for the fans of each school to come cheer on their school against others. Usually, the home team has the dominance, but at the Beanpot, it's literally one side yelling against another. It brings so much more energy than a pro hockey game.

Last night for the BU game, the Northeastern crowd, who was surprisingly well-supported, were seated right next to BU. That corner of the arena was LOUD. Energetic, thrilling, it was a great atmosphere. The Pro game doesn't have that energy anymore because the passionate fans can't afford the games and are more spread out than having an official "student section." Most of the pro games are attended by corporate/business types.

The BC-Harvard game was a snoozer. 6-0 BC. But BU-NU put on a great game and matched by great fans. The Beanpot tournament has been better than any pro-hockey game I've attended.

College sports in general are so much more fun because of the passion of the students. The atmosphere for a typical college hockey game can only be matched in the pros when its the playoffs (based off of my experiences at Boston & Philly regular season/playoff games.) Same for basketball, football, etc. Maybe it's just that the college kids are more drunk than the adults at a pro game, but it makes for an exciting, communal event (not the alcohol, the cheering.)

One of the things I like the best is the level of competition. The ages are relatively the same (18-24ish) as opposed to in the pros, where players can be competing against anyone aged 18-40+. The difference in age/experience/body type can really determine how successful a player is. In college it's more even. Plus, the college system only allows for 5 years, after that, they move on. It keeps for new and exciting players to come along every year.

Of course I should mention that that this really applies for the top-NCAA schools. The atmosphere at a Temple football game sucks. Totally different story at Penn State. BU's basketball isn't quite the same as at North Carolina. Maybe that's part of it. No one is going to be excited at a Florida Panthers game - but no one goes. Go to a Red Wings game and they MIGHT be more enthused. I doubt it though - not during a regular season.

So now that next week's championship game will be BU and BC, the biggest college hockey rivalry, I'm expecting an even better atmosphere matched by just as great of a hockey game. I really want to soak it all in seeing as this will be my last Beanpot as a student. Should be an exciting game!