When it comes to sports, they are usually a man's business. However, when it comes to hockey, that's my business, too. Ever since I was born, I was raised into a family who loved the Pittsburgh Penguins (not to mention my dad was born and raised in the city of Pittsburgh), so of course, there will be a spot in my heart for the beloved team.
Sure, everyone believes I love the team because I'm a girl and the players are attractive and while that is true, it is not the reason on why I love them nor why I watch hockey. I love and watch hockey because I'm a Pittsburgh girl and I will never stop supporting my hometown teams even if I'm not from the city itself. Pittsburgh is in my blood and I'm not afraid to cheer for my favorite team just because I'm a girl.
Yes, I am a girl and yes I know what an assist is, what a hat-trick is, what a penalty shot is, what the penalty box is, what a slap shot is, what high stick means, and pretty much every other hockey term known to hockey fans. I might be a girl, but that doesn't stop me from loving the sport.
Hockey is a sport that I actually enjoy and understand other than baseball. While I might seem like I wouldn't understand the sport itself, I know plenty. Sure, it took almost 14 years before I sat down and actually watched a game on TV with my dad and brother, but from that day on I was a huge fan.
Almost a month ago, I got to see my first ever home game in person. It was an incredible experience and I am so grateful that I got to go with the two people who got me interested in it in the first place. Not only was it my first time seeing them play on the ice, but they also won. Not bad for my first game huh?
So, yes I am a girl and yes I love and understand the sport that is hockey. No, I do not watch it only because the players are hot. I watch it because I enjoy it and I find it to be one of the best sports out there and because my dad is from Pittsburgh, so the Penguins are the team we know and love. Also, they were the 2016 Stanley cup champions and they deserved it. They are one of the best teams in the whole NHL.
Hockey will always have a spot in my heart and I will forever ignore those who say hockey should be for men and only men. Hockey is for girls, too.