Hockey in Summer?

I was sitting here today contemplating the meaning of life, OK, who am I kidding? No, I wasn’t.

I was actually at the office, talking to someone and looking outside at the beautiful weather and the people enjoying it when suddenly, the oddest thought crossed my mind.

I really miss hockey.

Where in the world did this come from? It certainly wasn’t from looking outside at all the greenery and the people in shorts and t-shirts. The hockey pre-season is a full two months away, and we’re still in the middle of summer!!

Am I going nuts? Some might say I passed nuts a few years ago, but those aren’t my real friends. ;)

I think it might have to do with the fact that the Ottawa Senators were eliminated 3 months ago, thus making this a very long off-season. There are so many things to miss about the hockey season. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. Lyndon Slewidge – The best National Anthem singer ever!!

2. My favorite Ottawa Senators Player – Chris Phillips #4

3. The atmosphere at the games – Yes, even in Ottawa we know how to have fun, at least in the upper level.

4. The Ottawa Senators Goal horn and the accompanying goal songs for individuals – my favorites being “Beautiful Day” for Alfie and “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy”, for Chris Phillips!!.

5. Spartacat – The most awesome mascot in the NHL

6. Stuntman Stu – Our PA announcer extraordinaire.

7. I even miss the overpriced pizza, popcorn and pop at the arena.

Now for the other side of the coin, some things I do NOT miss from the hockey season.

1. The horrible wind tunnel at the entrance to the building in winter. As if winter isn’t cold enough already.

2. Living 45 kms away from the rink, making me run to the car after a game so that I don’t end up stuck in the parking lot, so I can get to bed at a decent time.

3. Seeing the hockey rink start emptying a full 10 minutes before the end of the game.

4. Toronto Maple Leaf Fans and Montreal Canadiens Fans invading our rink too many times a year.

5. Never winning the 50/50 or any other contest for that matter.

All in all, I think I will just enjoy the rest of the summer while looking forward to what promises to be an interesting hockey season.

GO SENS GO!!!

Julie / @Flip_4