The first time I paid any attention to hockey was the 1980 Olympics. I was 10.
The US beat Russia in the semis, then the Swedes to win the gold. It was later made into a movie if you missed it.
Seeing my interest, my parents bought me ice skates so I could skate at the Oak Lawn lagoon just blocks away. Rat hockey was special. The ice was cleared by locals into small rink shapes. People skated on whatever they had and I used an old beat-up stick.
Yesterday’s outdoor NHL game was amazing to watch on TV. Snow falling. Crowds completely immersed in spectacle. They should do it more often in those cold cities. It’s just too much fun to live without.
Plus it breaks up all the college football monotony.
