Let me be clear. I don’t watch hockey. I don’t know the rules of hockey. That hockey lasts until June seems ridiculous to me.
BUT — when, after an interminable 82-game season (I looked that up), plus potentially 20+ more games in the playoffs, the Penguins land in the finals, I take notice. And I watch, sort of. Mostly through my fingers because I find it extremely nerve-wracking to watch a game that matters (“GET THE PUCK AWAY FROM OUR GOAL!” I scream over and over).
Plus, it seemed that every time Mike and I started watching a game, the other team would score a goal, so it was just too much bad karma and we couldn’t bear it.
But, of course we watched the final (on pins and needles). Of course we cheered when we won. Of course I watched parade coverage yesterday and contrasted it with the Steelers parade a few months ago.
That was the most impressive thing — how very different these young Pens players are from the Steelers.
Don’t get me wrong — if you know me, you know that I’m a diehard Steelers fan. Love them. Love football. Amen.
But, even I got a little bored at the parade ceremony as player after player stepped up to the mike and screamed something with a lot of WHOOOOOOOs and YEAH BABYs thrown in.
In contrast, the young Pens were grateful, humble, mostly quiet (no doubt some were losing their voices after a weekend of partying), and very appealing. Hell, they had their parents on stage with them! I’ve always known Sidney Crosby is a class act — you can barely watch a newscast without seeing him doing something nice for a fan or a charity. And it was great to see the other players whose names I barely knew before, but now will know to watch for. And how can you not love Mario?
So, YAY PENS! And YAY to bringing the City of Champions title back where it belongs.
If winning isn’t everything, why do they keep score?
~ Vince Lombardi
Writing by Ear 
middle aged said,
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 10:45 am
Yes, I noticed too how fresh, nice, and cute these guys are. Oh but wait do I hear the tune to “Mrs. Robinson” playing in the background? Guess I’d better stop now….!
WritingbyEar said,
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 10:56 am
Yeah, well I’m old enough to be mother to some of the Steelers as well….how did THAT happen? The transition from “I want to marry you” to “I want to mother you” came on in a heartbeat. (And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson…)
Facie said,
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 11:31 am
Yeah, that has really started to hit me over the past few years how I am older than every one of the Steelers (I think Chris Gardocki had me beat, and I am pretty sure I cried when he was released). At least Billy Guerin is older than I am. And my man Mark Recchi is too. But the Pens really are about youth.
Watching some of the Pens jump out of their car and interact with the fans during the parade was really nice. I thought the “show” was good too. I wish more players had talked, but you are right; everyone really did seem humble. Almost wish I would have gone. Apparently I would have been one of the oldest ones there, at least according to Empty Netters blogger Seth (P-G). I think he said most were under 30.
WritingbyEar said,
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 11:55 am
Young team, young fans? Or maybe it’s just that with school out, kids were free to go! It was nice to see such a good turnout. Nobody does a championship parade like the ‘Burgh! (Someone sent me an e-mail yesterday with an attached “poster” — “Detroit: a great city to win championships in!” with a picture of Bettis holding the SB trophy and Crosby holding the cup.)
robbie said,
Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 4:38 pm
We watched the last period of the last game. Not really fans. But really glad they won. We noticed as soon as the interviews started after the game ended was the obvious intelligence (or at least educational) difference in these boys versus the football players. Complete sentences, oh my! Lengthy, analytical answers, unbelievable!! Are they really professional athletes? I think the other sports can take a cue from hockey players. Too bad it’s the exception and not the rule in professional sports.
WritingbyEar said,
Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I don’t know how you can fail to be impressed by Sidney Crosby — only 21 and so poised. Like I said, a class act. Also fun to listen to some of the others — not even native English speakers but still great to listen to with thoughtful things to say.
pawsinsd said,
Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 4:55 am
Whenever my girlfriends parents bailed, we got their Sabres tix in high school. I thought it was great to get the tix, forget winning! You won one for the rust belt and should stand proud for not only the victory but what your town has done.
Forgive me for the lifelong Bills sentiment, what else is there to do in Buffalo in the winter? I love the Steelers!
I’m not really a sports fan, I’m a fan of western NY and Penn., especially Chautauqua where I grew up. I want these areas to compete for our economic future. I just don’t know how to do it yet.
I love hearing from you, finding like sites when I post, and having you check up on me occasionally. Consider this a check-up and congrats! Dee