HOCKEY HOCKEY AND MORE HOCKEY

In all honesty, I have one main thing that is occupying my attention- and that is the NHL playoffs. I absolutely adore this time of year for one major reason.......

 

The Sharks are in the playoffs!  Playoff fever has officially taken hold of San Jose, California and after 3 rough years of playoff stints the city seems to believe that this really is the year! It is truly incredible how much of an impact sports make on a community. At the risk of sounding corny, I believe that a love of sports- an specifically of a local team- allows everyone to relate when they may have nothing else in common. The roar of the crowd, the mass waving of rally pom-poms, and the incredible way that the building seems to shake create an atmosphere that is hard to match. It leaves the city blanketed by the playoffs, and if you aren't engaged you are not a true resident

Last night was game one of the 1st round and the Sharks matched up against the LA Kings. I am incredibly lucky, and actually have a part time ob serving in the restaurant before hockey games. So last night we welcomed guests who were enthusiastic about the game and together prepared to scream our lungs out in support of the team. The restaurant closed when the puck dropped and I hurried off to meet my friends at a local bar. The game was a battle from start to finish, the bar was packed, and the beers were flowin. During the intermission I got to thinking and began to look around at all the faces in the bar. Literally, every type of person could be found huddled around the screens, high-fiving after every great play. 

The Sharks pulled in out in the end and won 3-2 in overtime. When Joe Pavelski scored the winning goal the bar erupted and everyone went crazy cheering for the team. I literally felt the ground shake and I immediately flashed back to when the Giants were in the World Series/Playoffs and how remarkable it was so see everyone united over a silly sports team. Say what you will about hockey and sports in general but I do not think there are many other things that could bring people together the way a playoff hockey game does. It is going to be a great series and the cup will be ours this year!