Jumpin' on the Bandwagon

I have been drawn into the hype, excitement and swirl of emotions of the Stanley Cup Finals – just like I was during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. And like most of the sports I cheered for during the Olympics, I don’t know a heckuva lot about our national sport - hockey. Sure, I know enough to cheer or groan at all the right, pivotal moments - but that’s about it.

And just like after the Olympics when the medals were ceremoniously handed out, after the Stanley Cup is presented, and the winners are kissing the cup – I will be done.

And jump off the bandwagon I so shamelessly boarded.

The Stanley Cup finals are in full swing, and like me, someone else has jumped on the bandwagon.

The bronze statue of Captain James Cook resides across the street from the famed Empress Hotel in the inner harbour of downtown Victoria BC. A hockey jersey of the Vancouver Canucks, one of the finalists vying for the historical silver cup, keeps Captain Cook cozy on these still chilly June evenings – truly showing his loyalty, pride and devotion to the hockey team the province, and most of Canada, are cheering for.

When Captain Cook dropped anchor in 1778 in Nootka Sound with his pals Mr. William Bligh and Midshipmen George Vancouver at his side, I don’t think he envisioned wearing fashionable garments such as this, one day, never mind watching a city/province/country going gaga over guys with sticks and a puck.

But alas, it’s all in the name of team support. Whether an avid fan, or someone like me jumpin’ on the bandwagon and asking every hockey follower I know to educate and bring me up to speed on this sport I know nothing about, it’s fun, it’s entertaining, and it’s an escape. Yes, there are more important things going on in this world. But for two hours, every few nights, watching a few guys chasing their dream down the ice towards that big silver cup – hey, it’s a break away from the rest of the world. It’s not a bad bandwagon to be on.

And like, after the Olympics, when all is said and done, even though I will be all ‘hockey-ed’ out, I will miss it. Like many who missed the Olympics when it was over – the fun, hype, excitement – I am sure many will miss huddling around the TV, cheering on the boys.

Who cares if I am not a ‘true fan,’ following along all year long. My heart is in it when it counts – just as is the bronze heart of Captain Cook - showing team pride and cheering for the ‘Nucks.