How many national football championships does Alabama have?
How long has Nick Saban been Alabama's head football coach?
How did the famous phrase, "Roll Tide," become a thing?
If you successfully answered those questions, chances are you are a University of Alabama football fan. Now, answer these following questions.
Who is the head coach for the Frozen Tide?
What NHL team does Steven Stamkos play for?
What NHL team recently won the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals?
If you couldn't answer these questions, don't worry. You're not alone. Most people don't know much about hockey, but I guarantee it's just as fun as watching football.
This post is not meant to diminish the integrity of football. I love the sport way too much, I mean, I graduated from the University of Alabama. How could I not care about football? Yet, I notice that hockey fans populate a small portion of the student body here. A few years ago, I worked with the Frozen Tide, the university's club hockey team. This is where I fell in love with hockey... I've always had an interest, but actually being in a hockey arena and learning about the sport elevated that interest. It mimics football in the sense that players are wearing jerseys, helmets, and padding while racing on a field to get an object into each other's end zones.
I follow the University of Maine's hockey team on Snapchat, and they remind me of Alabama football players. Alfond Arena looks like Bryant-Denny Stadium with a roaring crowd of fans. Hockey enthusiasts line up to see the athletes skate onto the ice, much like football enthusiasts line up to watch the players walk from the bus into the stadium. Players pummel each other, teeth are knocked out, concussions occur, etc. The sports are a lot alike, so I wonder why more people aren't fans? Maybe it's just not as popular in the South?
When I walk around campus and see a Pittsburgh Penguins jersey or New York Islanders cap, my heart skips a beat because it's so rare seeing hockey paraphernalia in Tuscaloosa. I've made some lifelong friends because we've shared our passion for hockey. I've cursed at the television in countless bars while watching games. I once wore my Lightning jersey to a party and spent the entirety of that party discussing hockey with people. It's just something about hockey that brings people together. It's just a sport that most students at Alabama don't think about, but maybe they should.
If you don't love hockey as much as I do, talk to someone who is wearing a Stars t-shirt or a Capitals sweatshirt. You never know how much you'll make their day when their eyes light up as they figure out how much new wisdom they can spread. Trust me, I've been that person.
