Move On

I can name each team's line-up. I know almost all of their AHL affiliates. I knew about Sidney Crosby three years ago. I know the name of the Red Wings' European scout (Hakan Andersson) and that he always finds late-round gems -- and I'm not even a Red Wings fan. I've seen the Nordiques, Jets, and Whalers play in person. I remember Jimmy Carson and Ken Hodge, Jr. I have Eric Lindros' Canada Cup card -- his pre-rookie card. I know who gets called up on a regular basis for each team. I've seen the Avalanche, Coyotes, and Hurricanes play in person. I can almost name every single player from memory by country of origin, though I sometimes include Ukrainians or Kazahks (never Latvians) with Russians. I know the names of the original 8 Russians to play in the NHL, and was present for one's first game and goal (Alexander Mogilny assisted by Pierre Turgeon and Phil Housley). I can name all the Sutter brothers. I remember Gretzky... Keith Gretzky. I miss Adams, Patrick, Smythe, and Norris. I know that Dave McLlwain is the only player to play in all 4 (original) divisions in one season. I think Pat Peake is a good argument for automatic icing. I still read hockey websites for news, despite there being no games for a year.

Hockey is by far my favorite sport. I ingest it.

But if the NHL doesn't start on time for a second straight season I will never watch another game.