We have now reached a Biblical milestone in this standoff between owners and players as the fans and the staff members become the collateral damage in this fool's errand that can only end in a temporary Pyrrhic victory for whoever comes out on top. For forty days and forty nights, there has been nothing but a downpour of negativity, a culture of hopelessness that seems to say move on, but like a clingy ex, I just can't seem to let go. I refuse to believe there are greener pastures out there and just want to see things like they were in the good old days, with my hockey video game covers dominated by Gretzky or Lemieux, with hockey games aired on ESPN for no reason or any reason, and with the Caps losing playoff serieses (sp?) in Landover.
On board this ark of despair, there are two of each kind of fan. There's the realistic fan, who has assumed defeat and has relegated themselves to a spiritual sequel of 2004-2005. They have adequately prepared themselves by storing up several hours of hockey classics on their DVR or they simply block away and repress any memories that hockey ever existed in the first place, calling it some sort of Canadian soccer when friends bring up the lockout in casual conversation. There's the bandwagon fan, which can come in two flavors. There's the typical bandwagon fan who cheers for their team when they are doing well. And then there's the bandwagon fan who is glad that there is no hockey to interrupt you during book club reading time. This is typically called a girlfriend and if you're dating someone who can't deal with the fact that you know Rod Brindamour's anniversary better than your own, then you should probably move on. Finally, there is the hardcore fan, who refuses to give up. It's like the rookie highlight of Ovechkin scoring that goal on Phoenix. These people are down, but they are not out. They will fight for this lost cause. They proudly adorn themselves with the jersey on what should have been game day. They annoy their friends with their delusion, but are almost pathetically loveable in their immense and undying obsession.
Tomorrow, the players' self-imposed deadline ends, with no talks between the owners and athletes. The outlook is gloomy and grim, but still I desperately cling to the thread of hope that the twig-wielders will return to the ice, with a full season, ready and willing to give it their all. I also feel that this is the Caps' year to win the Cup. I reject your reality and substitute my own!
On board this ark of despair, there are two of each kind of fan. There's the realistic fan, who has assumed defeat and has relegated themselves to a spiritual sequel of 2004-2005. They have adequately prepared themselves by storing up several hours of hockey classics on their DVR or they simply block away and repress any memories that hockey ever existed in the first place, calling it some sort of Canadian soccer when friends bring up the lockout in casual conversation. There's the bandwagon fan, which can come in two flavors. There's the typical bandwagon fan who cheers for their team when they are doing well. And then there's the bandwagon fan who is glad that there is no hockey to interrupt you during book club reading time. This is typically called a girlfriend and if you're dating someone who can't deal with the fact that you know Rod Brindamour's anniversary better than your own, then you should probably move on. Finally, there is the hardcore fan, who refuses to give up. It's like the rookie highlight of Ovechkin scoring that goal on Phoenix. These people are down, but they are not out. They will fight for this lost cause. They proudly adorn themselves with the jersey on what should have been game day. They annoy their friends with their delusion, but are almost pathetically loveable in their immense and undying obsession.
Tomorrow, the players' self-imposed deadline ends, with no talks between the owners and athletes. The outlook is gloomy and grim, but still I desperately cling to the thread of hope that the twig-wielders will return to the ice, with a full season, ready and willing to give it their all. I also feel that this is the Caps' year to win the Cup. I reject your reality and substitute my own!
No comments:
Post a Comment