The first time I saw this commercial all I could think was “How very true it is.” I can’t find a Youtube of it to save my life, but most of you guys should recognize it:

It’s more than a game. For some its their faith, their commitment. Less than a religion, but not by much.

Refined throughout history, but unchanged in its enduring simplicity.

Played by a group of men whose hearts pump life beneath a crest for which they would sacrifce body and soul.

Now, I understand for most of the population in the USA they would laugh if you told them this is what you think about hockey. But it is very true for me, and for many people I know.

That aside, now on to the real point of this blog…superstitions as a hockey fan.

I have about 1/2 a dozen player jersey shirts that I rotate through. If we win, I wear that same player to the next game. If we lose, I switch. I go to the same Starbucks on the way to the arena (My name is Katy and I have a coffee addiction too) and I get to the arena in enough time to watch warm-ups, and I don’t put my jersey on before I get there. Crazy I know, but that’s my game day ritual. I can’t even think about how bad it will get come playoff time…IF we make the playoffs.

Which brings me to my next point. Jinxing a team with words. The beginning of this year the Canes started off great…as soon as that happened there was talk about how we looked like the team of 2005-2006. Every time someone mentioned it I could only yell at my TV screen “UGHHHHH Don’t say that, you’ll jinx us!” Soon enough the Canes found themselves in a slump. (At least it got them to stop saying that)
Since Brindy’s injury we have done fairly well with our AHL guys (or as they are becoming know in the Caniac nation the “Alternate Hurricanes Lineup) and those few we have brought in via trade. So, as you can all imagine it has started again. People are posting on our message boards selling various hockey items to save up for the playoffs, everyone talking about when we make the playoffs, etc.
Even a few friends of mine have taken to using those phrases. Personally I don’t understand how hard it is to use the term “if” instead of “when”, but all my attempts to convert them to using “if” instead have gotten the response of “But we are doing so well now..playoffs here we come.”

Maybe I am just a bit oversensitive because everyone assumed we would sneak into the playoffs last year and about a week before the season ended we slipped out of the race. One of the most disappointing things ever.

I know I’m not the only superstitious hockey fan out there people..so care to share?