Patrick McCarthy

Hockey Really Is Cool Live

On a visit to Yahoo!’s Burbank offices for a presentation and some planning meetings I got the opportunity to go to the NHL playoff game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. I’d never been to a hockey game before, and I will admit I’d made my fair share of hockey jokes over the years.

I’ve always heard people say that hockey is much better live than on TV, so I was curious to see if that was the case. I came to the following conclusions:

1. Yes, hockey is much more interesting live than on TV. The speed of the game is more apparent, the physical nature is more intense, and you can see the whole flow of the game which actually ends up being an interesting mix of power and grace.
2. Two “halftimes” provides ample opportunity to get food and drinks.
3. Hockey fans are entertaining and very passionate. They love wearing oversized jerseys, throwing things on the ice, and spilling beer on me.
4. I can appreciate any sport that not only accepts, but encourages its players to grow beards.

If you haven’t seen live NHL hockey, I’d recommend it. I was a skeptic and really enjoyed it. I doubt I’ll really start watching it on TV, but it was a good time.