Now, sitting on an Amtrak train on my way to the Olympics, I think I finally get it: sure the NHL is the NHL, but these hometown teams are theirs. Just as we feel a New York pride when we pull on the Blueshirt to root on the boys, they feel the same love for their team - simply because it is theirs. The team represents their town and they want it to do well. Yes, there is something bigger and better out there but that is out there; this team is here and its ours.
It is a strange feeling to be sure but one I am certainly confronted with as I head to watch the best of the best, while the Rangers are back in New York, about to face off against Tampa. Sure I will root for Team USA, but my emotions will rise and fall based upon the text messages I get over the next few hours. Because that quaint little team in my home town will be playing and that team is mine. Sure there is something bigger and better out there, but the Rangers are mine.
As I've mentioned in the past, I love Olympic hockey and was lucky enough to be in Salt Lake for the entire '02 Games (and was even inside the E Center for the Gold Medal game). So it can't be the five
I think it was the WHL game I went to last night between the Moose Jaw Warriors and the Silvertips in Everett. Played in a wonderful 8,000 or so seat facility, the game was quite exciting with the Tips prevailing 5-1. There were just over six thousand fans in the building but if you closed your eyes, you would have thought there was over 10.
They were loud, proud and passionate. It was not unlike the Bern/Ranger game in Switzerland last year with flags and noisemakers but these folks knew their hockey. Where the Swiss just seemed to be happy to have something to do no matter the outcome, these people were diehards. And the trippy thing? From my understanding, Everett was never a hockey town until the Silvertips came to town seven years back. But over that span the townfolk learned the game and embraced it.
Looking around the pro shop for my traditional puck (every new city, gotta get a puck), I was startled to see a bunch of Phoenix Coyotes sweaters. 'What in the holy hell are those doing in here?!?' ran through my mind until I pulled one off the rack: it was Peter Mueller #88. Mueller, aside from being the target of dozens of trade rumours to New York, was one of the first, best graduates of the Everett program.
Sure Mueller was born in Minnesota, but he was a Everett product - he was one of their boys. And they will root him on and follow him in the show but, at the same time, there is a new bunch of kids wearing the green and white and they are the focus now.
We will root for the Ranger Olympians (and pray that they don't get hurt) while they play in the Olympics but if they win or they lose, we won't lose any sleep over it. And that's ok; the Rangers are our team, just as the Silvertips are Everett's.
Just for perspective purposes (timing and quality), this post was written earlier today while I was stuck on a train full of screaming, whining, crying children.
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When It Comes To Pucks, Size Doesn't Matter
In the world of hockey, where the speed of the game and the size of the players often dominate the conversation, one might overlook a seemingly small and inconspicuous object that is, in fact, the heart and soul of the sport: the puck. While pucks might not be the most attention-grabbing aspect of hockey, their size and design play a crucial role in the game. In this article, we'll delve into the world of hockey pucks, exploring their history, composition, and significance to the game.
The Origin of the Hockey Puck
The hockey puck's history is as rich as the game itself. The origins of ice hockey can be traced back to the frozen ponds and lakes of Canada in the early 19th century. At that time, there was no standardization when it came to the puck's size or shape. Players would often use frozen cow dung, wooden blocks, or any other solid object they could find.
The transition to using a rubber puck occurred in the late 19th century. Initially, these pucks were irregularly shaped and could vary in size. It wasn't until 1883 that the first standardized rubber puck, known as the "Keene Puck," was introduced. This puck had a diameter of 3 inches, which is close to the modern standard.
Modern Puck Specifications
Today, the National Hockey League (NHL) and other professional leagues adhere to strict regulations regarding the size and weight of hockey pucks. The official NHL puck must:
Have a diameter of 3 inches (76 mm).
Be 1 inch (25 mm) thick.
Weigh between 6 and 6.3 ounces (170-180 grams).
These specifications ensure consistency and fairness in the game, as players and goaltenders can rely on the puck's standardized size and weight.
Composition of the Puck
Hockey pucks are typically made from vulcanized rubber, which is a durable and elastic material. The process of vulcanization involves treating rubber with heat and sulfur to enhance its properties. This treatment makes the puck hard enough to withstand the impact of slapshots, yet flexible enough to absorb some of the force when it strikes the boards, glass, or a player's body.
The puck's composition is also designed to minimize bouncing on the ice. The bottom of the puck is flat, ensuring that it stays in contact with the playing surface and doesn't behave erratically. This is crucial for the game's flow and safety.
Why Size Doesn't Matter
In the case of hockey pucks, the old adage "size doesn't matter" holds true. Despite its relatively small dimensions, the puck plays an outsized role in the game for several reasons:
Speed and Agility
The small size of the puck allows players to handle it with speed and agility. It can be passed, shot, and stickhandled (controlled with the stick) with precision. The puck's small size challenges players' dexterity and hand-eye coordination, making hockey a fast-paced and exciting sport to watch.
Goal Scoring
Scoring in hockey is all about getting the puck into the opposing team's net. The puck's size forces goaltenders to make split-second decisions and react quickly to shots, making it challenging for them to predict the puck's trajectory. This unpredictability adds an element of excitement to the game.
Physical Play
The small size of the puck encourages physical play. Players are often seen battling for possession, using their bodies to shield the puck from opponents, or attempting to disrupt an opponent's play. This physicality is a hallmark of hockey and adds an extra layer of strategy and intensity to the game.
Precision
Hockey is a game of precision, and the small puck is a testament to that. Players must make precise passes, shoot accurately, and control the puck with finesse. The small size of the puck demands a high level of skill from those who play the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are there any variations in the design of hockey pucks?
A1: While the size and weight of pucks are standardized, there are variations in design. Some pucks feature team logos, special graphics, or even LED lights for visibility in low-light conditions.
Q2: Why don't they use a larger puck to make it easier to see on TV?
A2: The small size of the puck is a fundamental aspect of the game, and changing it would alter the dynamics and flow of play. Additionally, modern television broadcasts use advanced camera technology and graphics to make the puck more visible to viewers.
Q3: What happens if a puck breaks during a game?
A3: If a puck breaks or becomes severely damaged during a game, officials will stop play and replace it with a new puck.
Conclusion
In the world of hockey, the puck might be small, but its significance is immeasurable. It's a symbol of the sport's history, a tool for precision and skill, and a focal point of the game's action. While size might matter in some aspects of life, when it comes to hockey pucks, it's their small stature that makes them a vital and iconic part of the sport.
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