Saturday, February 17, 2007

What does being a fan mean to you?

In my patrolling of the blogosphere today, I stopped in at End of the Bench to read The fan/team relationship. Being a fan of hockey is something I don't know I could live without. If it weren't for the game so many parts of my life wouldn't be in place and I am thankful to the game for bringing them to me. EOB linked to an amazing post, On Fanaticism, by E at A Theory of Ice. I urge you to read both of these posts and look to what being a fan means to you. I know that we each ride a rollercoaster of emotions during a game but if you didn't have hockey in your life, how would you feel?

4 comments:

Ellie said...

wow - "On Fanaticism" helped me explain why I really wouldn't know what to do with myself if the Pens left Pittsburgh. I couldn't go routing for some other team right off the bat, and I couldn't go routing for them somewhere else. It's the history of them here in the 'burgh, the tough times, the good times all together that makes them so special. thinking about Pittsburgh without the Pens makes me feel really empty inside : (


great post - thanks for sharing!

Bethany said...

The fan/team relationship where he used the Blue Jackets as an example it's so true. We have had a rough year with a horrible start, a new coach, then starting to do well and then came the injuries. It's true these guys are like family. I sit and talk to my mom about them and she feels the same way...you have a connection with them although you have never met them face to face.

admin said...

This is something I have been thinking about since the all star break. Heading into the second half of the season, all I can think about is how few games are left. As my season ticket book dwindles down to next to nothing, every day I think, “what am I going to do when the season is over?”

I have become painfully aware of how many games are left in the season, and although I know the season lasts until mid to late June with the playoffs and the finals, for me there is nothing like going to a game. If I am having a rough day at work, I know that things will be okay since my next game is only three days away. Thinking about going to my next game takes soothes me. It helps me to cope with the idiots I have to deal with everyday.

On the flip side is the dirty part of my addiction. It is truly an addiction because I am always looking for my next fix. On my way home from a game, I am already thinking…”okay I have another game on Sunday.” It is an addiction because I would spend any amount of money for tickets. It is an addiction because I would choose it over work or family.

I copied this off some drug addiction web site. Just substitute the word “hockey” for the word “drug” and see if you have the same problem I do:
* use of drugs or alcohol as a way to forget problems or to relax
* withdrawal or keeping secrets from family and friends
* loss of interest in activities that used to be important
* problems with schoolwork, such as slipping grades or absences
* changes in friendships, such as hanging out only with friends who use drugs
* spending a lot of time figuring out how to get drugs
* stealing or selling belongings to be able to afford drugs
* failed attempts to stop taking drugs or drinking
* anxiety, anger, or depression
* mood swings

Pretty scary, huh? Or maybe I am just the messed up one. But honestly, I think I am going to have to seek professional help for depression in the off season.

Charity said...

if there was no hockey, I'd be at a complete loss. utterly despondent.