The Forgotten Sport

Many sports just seem to fade into the background over the years. A handful of these sports once drew huge crowds and had some of the most passionate and dedicated fans. For those raised in the Northeast one such sport is arguably the most electrifying and exhilarating game today.

Hockey, the forgotten sport, a game that no longer draws the fan base it once maintained. Many of you are not from the Northeast and were never raised in a hockey town where the sport still reigns. Therefore, you’ve probably never toughed the cold, whether outdoors or in an old fashion hockey rink, or had the chance to fully appreciate this game. If you had the opportunity to watch Wayne Grezsky and or Mario Lemioux, hockey was only a showcase to show their talent. Their grace, smoothness, and class on and off the ice are second to none, have helped transform hockey and can compare to any pro athlete.

Why am I telling you this now? Well for one simple reason, when you non-college football fans are flicking through the channels trying to find something other than the parade on New Years Day, maybe consider tuning into the NHL Winter Classic. The Winter Classic will be shown at 1pm ET on New Years day when the Buffalo Sabers face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Buffalo culminating in the first ever NHL regulation game played outdoors in the United States.

Many critics believe this game is a pointless occurrence and will never attract new fans to the hockey world. They couldn’t be more wrong, with Boston having lost their last five straight games Buffalo has jumped to the third place spot in the Northeast Division. While Ottawa has more than likely locked their number one spot with 25 wins, the Buffalo Sabers and Montreal Canadiens stand tied with 19 wins each. Furthermore, with a series of losses Boston still has 18 wins under their belt, and they’ve never been a team to take for granted. Exciting enough for you, well it gets better!

The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently ranked number two in the Atlantic Division with 20 wins, they are second only to New Jersey who has 21 wins. The rest of the Atlantic Division the Rangers and the Islanders have 19 wins this season, and Philadelphia is right behind them with 18. No team can afford a loss in this division without risking someone stealing their playoff hopes.

Let’s be honest Buffalo is not exactly known for its beautiful weather in January, however a few players are no strangers to the outdoor game and they know just how tough and exciting it can be. Penguins Forward Adam Hall and Sabers Goalie Ryan Miller both played in 2001 in the “Cold War” game outdoors for Michigan St. Vs rival Michigan. If you have never skated against the wind, it feels a lot like getting sucked into quicksand, you can fight your hardest but you may not get anywhere, while your opponents skating in the opposite direction may just glide right down the ice.

In a time of ups and downs for hockey, this game is a fantastic chance for rookie hockey fans to become hooked. If you miss your shot this time there’s still plenty of hockey to be played this season, buy some cheap tickets and check out a game! Flick between the channels during the Football and prepare for something new; I promise, you will not be let down!

jana