Midweek Column- Getting Ready For Tampa

I would make a pretty good case that this is by far the longest week of the hockey season as I like to call it, "the week of waiting". In seven days, BC will look to get back into the National Title game for the seventh time since 2001. I think it would be good to talk about why things have gone so well as of late for this Eagle team. I mean we haven't seen the team lose since January 21st and we have seen one of the greatest coaching jobs by one of the greatest coaches of all time over the course of this year. I first of all don't think Coach York and his staff are getting enough credit for this. Yes, Norm Bazin is most likely going to win coach of the year and so fourth but honestly, this is Coach York's best coaching job in his illustrious 40 years of coaching. Look at what we lost last year, we lost the two best players in Hockey East (Atkinson and Gibbons) our team captain (Joe Whitney), and maybe the greatest goaltender in the history of Boston College hockey (Johnny Muse). Not to mention guys like Jimmy Hayes and Philip Samuelsson who also decided to bolt to the professional ranks. I am just saying, talk about whoever else you want but in reality, this man is the best coach in college hockey and it's not even close. I think you also need to give some credit to the assistant coaches on this staff. People may not talk about what the assistants mean to a head coach but I bet if you asked Coach York if his team would be as good without Coaches Brown, Cav, and Logue, he would certainly say no.

Now when I look at the players on this team, I don't think enough of the "little" names get enough credit for what they do. I think that the fourth line has been fantastic as of late. I think Mike Sit, Danny Linell, and Quinn Smith are playing some fantastic hockey right now and with them playing so well, it just adds to the weapons this team has. While I would say last years team was better, this years team is better at two major components compared to last years squad. The first part is that this team is a better defensive team. Last year, poor defensive play by defenseman and forwards killed us in that game versus CC. This year, it seems that everyone seems a little more "committed" to playing better team defense. The other component is that this team is deeper than last years squad. Last season, you rarely saw the fourth line in big games. Now, the staff has the fourth line going up against opponents' first or second line which shows how much confidence they have in them. Really look for BC's speed and depth to be the major factors in the game versus the Gophers on Thursday night. However, the Gophers are also a pretty deep team themselves with seven players with more than 30 points so far this season so look for that to be a very intriguing matchup.

I will post my interviews with Johnny Gaudreau and Isaac Macleod tomorrow. Both were great guys and a pleasure to talk to, same with Pat Mullane. The one problem is that they seem to think they could beat me in NHL or on the golf course....no chance.

Until Tomorrow,

GO EAGLES

 Midweek Column - Getting Ready For Tampa: A Hockey Fan's Excitement

Midweek blues are a common affliction, but for hockey fans, there's always a beacon of hope that shines brightly - the upcoming game. In this midweek column, we delve into the excitement and anticipation of an impending matchup, particularly focusing on the thrill of preparing for a game involving the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Section 1: The Pregame Rituals

Game Day Atmosphere: The unique atmosphere that surrounds game day, from the moment you wake up to the time you step into the arena.

Jersey Selection: The importance of selecting the right jersey for the occasion and the superstitions that often accompany it.

Section 2: Tailgating and Game-Day Cuisine

Exploring the culinary delights and camaraderie that accompany a hockey game:

Tailgating Traditions: The joy of pregame tailgating with fellow fans, sharing stories, and indulging in favorite game-day snacks.

Local Flavors: Highlighting the must-try food and beverages at the arena, including the iconic stadium hot dog.

Section 3: The Thrill of the Warm-Up

Watching the Warm-Up: The excitement of watching players hit the ice for warm-ups, assessing their form, and catching glimpses of their pregame routines.

Pregame Entertainment: The various forms of pregame entertainment, from player introductions to music and videos that set the tone.

Section 4: Collectibles and Memorabilia

A look at the world of hockey collectibles:

Collectible Items: The allure of collecting hockey memorabilia, from signed pucks to game-worn jerseys.

Trading and Swapping: The thrill of trading collectibles with fellow fans and the stories behind prized possessions.

Section 5: The Chants and Cheers

Fan Chants: A glimpse into the fervent chants and cheers that erupt from the crowd, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

Fan Traditions: Special traditions that fans uphold during games, such as the "goal cannon" and celebratory rituals.

Section 6: The Nail-Biting Action

In-Game Excitement: The rollercoaster of emotions that accompanies each shift, each shot, and each goal.

Key Matchups: Analyzing the strategic battles on the ice and the impact they have on the game's outcome.

Section 7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Hockey Game Day Excitement

Answering common questions and discussions related to the pregame excitement:

How do fans manage the anxiety and anticipation leading up to a crucial game?

Strategies for dealing with game-day nerves and channeling that energy positively.

What role does superstition play in a fan's game-day routine, and can it affect the outcome of the game?

Exploring the superstitions fans hold dear and their belief in influencing the game.

How has the experience of attending hockey games evolved over the years, and what do fans miss most from the past?

Reflecting on the changes in the fan experience and the nostalgia for elements of the past.

Section 8: Looking Ahead to Game Day

In conclusion, the midweek column captures the essence of a hockey fan's anticipation, enthusiasm, and deep connection to the game. As fans prepare to cheer on their favorite team, the excitement continues to build, and the countdown to puck drop becomes a cherished ritual. Whether it's the thrill of a rivalry game or the joy of witnessing your team's journey, the hockey community shares a unique bond that transcends the days in between, bringing fans together to celebrate the sport they love.