I'd like to thank the Academy...

I really wanted to title this "hellz yeah" but at the risk of alienating everyone I thought I'd try to class it up a bit.

Hi, my name is Kristin and I am a hockey addict...

I am fairly certain that my addiction to hockey will someday cost me my job, but what the heck it's worth it.

So, without further ado, here are my answers to the questions:

1. Where you're from, what you do - basic things.
I am a Philly girl...not by birth thank god because that would mean I like the Eagles and said “wuhder” when I wanted water. I am a cheese-monger, which means I am a cheesecutter/retail slave but cheese-monger is more sinister and makes it sound like I have skillz.

2. Your team and why you like them.
My team is the Philadelphia Flyers, and I would like to take credit for their worst season ever...whatever team I choose seems to suck! I like them because they are the parent team of my real favorite team...the Philadelphia Phantoms. This year, with all the transactions, it’s like they are one and the same. It seems like the only players I haven’t seen on the Phantoms are Forsberg and Gagne. And with the way Forsberg has been playing, I figure it’s only a matter of time before I see him as a Phantom!

3. Your least favourite team and why?
I will watch any team, any game, any time. I should hate Buffalo for the humiliation they pile upon the Flyers, but they are just so amazing to watch. I guess I would have to say the Devils because they keep beating us in the shootout.

4. Your favourite player of all time & now?
Since I have only been a hockey addict/fan for a year now, my all time and now are pretty much one and the same: Ben Eager. Who? Yeah I know, no big names here and not even that great a player, but he stirs things up and gets that crazy look in his eyes after a fight. Love it!

5. If you had to punch one hockey player or member of the NHL
organisation, who and why?
Olli Jokinen of the Florida Panthers...mostly because he scares me with that big forehead of his, but also because he had the game winning goal on October 20th, which I believe sent the Flyers on their downward spiral this season. The Flyers beat the Panthers at home the last 10 times they played, and this blow to their ego shattered their self image. Also, his forehead.

6 What you'll be looking forward in this group blog.
I look forward to the challenge of keeping up with the rest of ladies. Everyone here is so passionate about hockey and writes so intelligently that I hope my passion and intelligence will be able to keep up.

7. What you don't like in general?
I hate when people sneeze. I hate stupid people. I am not a fan of children. Really, there is so much more I could write about what I don’t like, but I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot here.

8. What role do female fans play in keeping the game alive?
Female hockey fans, with their passion for the sport, are the ones spreading the word. Telling someone you are a hockey fan can open up new lines of communication. There is nothing better than finding another hockey fan or creating a new one. This season alone I have converted two people already. I am working on turning a basketball fan into a hockey fan. All he needs is one game on the ice with a good hit right in front of him...

9. What role do female fans play in picking heroes for the community?
I have tried and tried to answer this question but I just don’t have an answer. I don’t know that heroes are chosen, they just “become” so I don’t see female or male fans having a part of that. Maybe I am just naive..

10. Hockey just isn't the same without…
Fighting!

11. If you were on a deserted island, which player would you pick to
stay with you?
I am having trouble choosing one player and writing a PG rated answer.

12. Crosby, Ovechkin or Phaneuf (hey he tried!)?
Phaneuf because Crosby and Ovechkin kill me when they play the Flyers.

13. The player you'd like to take for a grand night out/a movie/a boring event?
Boring event: Robert Esche because I could talk to him about getting some glasses so he can stop some shots.
A movie: I hate going to the movies...I guess I’d take Ben Eager so when people are talking and making too much noise, he can set them straight
grand night out: Peter Forsberg because he cleans up nice and cmon, he’s Peter Forsberg

14. If you could make your own team, regardless of whatever players,
what would it be called and where will it be/how would it be like?
The players would have to meet a strict age limit...between the ages of 19-24 and would all have to be a minimum of 6 foot 2. For some reason, I want to call them the Ice Hogs, or something equally goofy like the River Rats. I just love stupid team names like that! 3 good scrums per game would be required, with at least one fight taking place near my seats.

So yeah, that's it for now...