It didn’t seem right watching hockey when baseball is still on, but there I was at the Xcel tonight witnessing the Wild beat up the Blackhawks for their last pre-season game. Brian and I left after two periods, and I missed Burnzie register a hat trick. Damn! The final score: 5-2.
Although I grew up in Minnesota and was a rabid, cymbal-playing fan at my high school hockey games (go Rails!), I never followed the North Stars or paid much attention to the NHL. When the Wild joined the scene a few years back, I perked up a bit (especially since hockey is one of my husband’s favorite sport). After a few live games at the X, I’ve become sold. I’m now a bona fide fan.
Of course I love the actual action, but it’s the little traditions of a live home game that have locked me in. Old timers out there will probably roll their eyes, but I always swell with glee when the young child skates out to the middle of the rink before the Wild first take the ice. I hold my breath willing the child not to fall down while keeping the Wild flag held high. I also adore the Wild anthem and sing it loud and strong when the video broadcasts. Don’t know the tune? Click here to view the video and sing along!
MINNESOTA WILD ANTHEM
We were raised
With the stick
And a pair of blades
On the ice we cut our teeth
We took our knocks
In the penalty box
Our mother was the refereeThis sport was here
Before we came
It will be here when we’re gone
The game’s in our blood
And our blood’s in the game
Lay us down under
A frozen pondWe will fight to the end
We will stand and defend
Our flag flying high and free
We were born the child
Of the strong and Wild
In the State, the State of HockeyA big blue line runs around our state
A line that can’t be crossed
The day they try to take this game
Is the day the gloves come offWe will fight to the end
We will stand and defend
Our flag flying high and free
We were born the child
Of the strong and Wild
In the State, the State of Hockey.
Some people poo poo professional sports as boring, a waste of time, or a waste of money. Instead, look beyond the asinine antics of professional athletes and instead embrace the traditions, the history — really the whole story behind the league, team and players. Yeah, it’s just a game. But once you love a sport, you become connected to people who share your same passion. You become part of the entire experience. Go Wild!
