Feel the Breeze: Love at first sight!

[C-Breeze 117]

 

 

Love at first sight:

 

One of my earliest childhood memories, back when I was still knee high to a grasshopper, was when Dad took me to my first hockey game. Now I'd never seen hockey before, not even on TV, so I literally had no idea what to expect. What was clear however, was a powerful sense of wonder and curiosity over just what this game of hockey might be.

 

As our old truck rumbled into the parking lot, I quickly wiped the fog from the side window so I could get a better look at the virtual sea of parked cars. It was a bitterly cold winter morning, but despite the harsh conditions, all of these people had chosen to gather to watch some game. Dad parked near the back of the lot, nestled in tightly between a gray four door sedan and a cherry red Jeep. As I exited our truck on the Jeep side, my eyes grew significantly wider at first blush.

 

Even way back then, I was completely infatuated with the sporty look, and more importantly, the general vibe of Jeep life. "What a beauty," I thought to myself while doing my best to form a lasting mental snapshot. To this day I really can't quite put my finger on it, but there was just something about Jeeps that really resonated with me. Maybe it was the call of the outdoors or the freedom of going off grid with four wheel drive, or any of a million other things. But whatever it was, standing there in the snow, while struggling to keep warm, I knew one day I'd make one mine.

 

As we slowly made our way through rows of cars to the front of the building, there was already a large crowd gathered near the entrance. "Whatever this game is," I thought to myself, "It sure is popular." The ladies at the ticket gate did their best to get us all in out of the cold as quickly as possible, but even with that it was still an agonizing wait. As the line gradually moved closer and closer to the wicket I kept puffing myself up like a tiny bird caught in a giant windstorm.

 

Once we finally made our way inside, I was immediately awestruck by the sheer size of the building. It was easily the biggest structure I'd ever been in, with both the dimensions and the unique shape quickly fueling my imagination. Truthfully I could scarcely picture what sort of game would require such an enormous edifice, but I was fairly certain, no matter what it was, that it would surely be a grand spectacle.

 

As we settled into our seats, there was a growing sense of anticipation exuding from every crack and crevice throughout the lively building. There high in the stands, I could almost feel the energy pulsating from the assembled masses. It was like a wave gaining momentum and growing higher and higher as everyone geared up for a good show. Though I'd never been to a party, this must be what it felt like with all the participants determined to enjoy a good time.

 

Moments later the players took to the ice and I was instantly enthralled with the entire production. The sights and sounds were nothing less than spectacular and captivating. The intricate patterns with which players skated round the ice, the rhythmic beat as puck met stick and the subtle motion as uniforms rippled in the flowing breeze. It was almost hypnotic as I sat nearly paralyzed, simply staring with my mouth wide open.

 

For my younger self this was an entirely new frontier, and while the sights and sounds were incredible in their own right, nothing could compare with the smell of the ice. This strange overpowering scent wafted up throughout the building encircling everything with its refreshingly eerie grasp. Bit by bit it deliberately seeped into my lungs, carrying a rejuvenating presence that spoke to me like a spiritual experience that I never knew I needed, but now never wanted to live without. In just a matter of a few minutes, I had gone from cautiously neutral to utter intoxication with all that was unfolding before me.

 

While it's still hard to put into words, on that particular cold winter morning, my life was transformed in a way I never thought possible. I hadn't just become a hockey fan, but far greater than that, hockey was now in my blood. I loved everything about it as it called to me in a powerful manner that was completely undeniable. Looking back, I've often thought that this was my siren's song. You know, that fateful moment when sailors became entranced only to crash their ships on the rocks. For them it was complete disaster, but for me a glorious discovery of great treasure.

 

Dad casually watched me as I sat totally transfixed, catching flies in my mouth and barely even blinking for fear of missing out on a single millisecond. It was almost too good to be true as I marvelled at the incredible skill and coordination these players brought to the game. Dad said they probably started from a very early age, and I knew in that instant that I wanted to do the same.

 

All the way home, I couldn't stop talking about the game, and I did so with such excitement in my voice that I must have sounded almost giddy. From that point on, it was VHL this and VHL that and please, please, please can we watch the game on TV. Reflecting on it now, Dad had inadvertently created a hockey monster, but despite how annoying I could be - he was happy for me. Happy I'd found something that meant so much.

 

They say you never forget your first love, and in my case, it would always be and forever remain, the amazing game of hockey!

 

[985 Words]

[Rkhockey9 158]

Getting a Miami vibe from the graphic great read!!!