Where My Ladies At?

THESE ARE OUR STORIES
(How I Became a [Female] Hockey Fan)!

It all started with the Flyers. No, I know they suck and we all hate them. But the first game of my obsession was truly the ECF 2008. My friend had taken me to a few games before, where we got to meet a few of the players that weren't quite as popular then. I met Jordan Staal, though. Really, all I wanted to do was see Sidney. I never got to. Being born in 1995 (A week before Fleury's birthday, though many years after) I was a little past the Pens' glory days: Jagr, Mario, Stanley Cups 1 and 2.

But, my friend's dad is from Canada, so they taught me a little bit. One night, my dad, who is a truly fairweathered fan, turned on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Pens vs. Flyers. I could tell right away, seeing Tyler Kennedy fight some stupid Flyer. It was love. Not with TK, but the game. So, until the last 10 games of the 2009 regular season, I completely forgot (still being crushed by the loss of Bugsy, Hossa's betrayal, and us losing the Cup) about the season. Then, I was channel surfing at my friend's house (who thinks Ovechkin is hot *gag* and doesn't watch hockey *gasp*)The next game I watched was vs. the Canes, who became my 2nd favorite team, with Staal and Ron Francis. I watched every game following that, and quickly decided Malkin was hot. Who wouldn't?

Then, I started loving every player, even the ones I hated, like Hal Gill. I always felt a connection with the Pens, because my aunt had been a huge Jagr fan and my dad occasionally pretended to care. I'm pretty sure he cares more now, because I force him to watch at least 2 games a week. My "Talbot sister" and I told pretty much everyone we knew that Max Talbot would score a goal, contrary to our coach saying that he wouldn't score anything but an empty- netter. It was fun proving him wrong.

Soon, I discovered Letang's gorgeousness, courtesy of my Talbot sister's actual sister. Now we all sit around and complain about when Max will be back and why Tanger got his haircut. I hope I'm obsessed with hockey for the rest of my life and I hope someday they rename the arena "Mario Lemieux Center" or something along the lines of that. Let's Go Pens!

-M. Kennedy (Yes really)

Most of us can relate to wanting to "see Sidney," realizing you love the game (or love it even more) because a certain fight got your blood pumping, and of course, the infamous HATRED towards the Flyers and Ovechkin; but not all of us can say we have a "Talbot sister," or even make claim to the last name "Kennedy," so I'd say you're fan story is still pretty unique, M., and we appreciate your sharing it with us ... THANKS SO MUCH!!!

Don't forget, if you wish to submit your story, I kindly ask that you email them directly to me so they don't end up being repetitive for some of the readers. Also, if you don't want me to include your name, please let me know that as well (what I'll normally do is put your first name and last initial if I have it OR just your screen name).

FEEL FREE TO INCLUDE A PICTURE!!

I also want to let you know I LOVE these stories (and so do alot of our readers) - I've always found it interesting no matter who the fan, so I'm enjoying ALL OF THIS IMMENSELY!! KEEP THEM COMING, but I ask that you email them please - THANKS!!!

Also, I ask that you please BE PATIENT as I'm still receiving TONS of stories in addition to the ones that are already posted in some of the "comments" sections here that I'm hoping to re-post. If you sent in a story, it will eventually be on the blog - I promise!! ; ) JUST BE SURE TO KEEP THEM COMING (the more the better!)!!

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