Those were the days...I used to be a big fan of Mats Sundin (13), the captain of the Maple Leafs.
It's a hockey season. No doubt. Not just because it's winter, but rather, because I'm in Canada, a.k.a., 'the hockey nation.'
Toronto, in particular, must be considered as one of the most 'hockey-addicted,' or 'hockey-crazed' cities in Canada, 'Maple Leafs-driven' city, hence 'Maple Leafs Nation,' a nickname for Toronto.
It is not too hard to find cars with a Toronto Maple Leafs flag in any streets in Toronto. Hockey frenzy indeed.
At first, it felt it like a torture to be stuck by all the stupid hockey buzz. I couldn't go anywhere without hearing about NHL (National Hockey League) or Toronto Maple Leafs. Before coming to Canada, 'only' NBA and MLB were the major professional sports that I could enjoy and understand to some extent how the games are played.
However, in Canada at least, both "major" games don't seem major at all, particularly comparing with the NHL. For NHL, MLB and NBA are just a minor. To my impression, only ice hockey seems what really matters in this country.
Now, about 2 and a half years after coming to Canada, I've become more comfortable - rather, let's say "climatized" - about all those craziness of ice hockey and Maple leafs. But, still, it is not fully appreiciatory to enjoy the game thoroughly.
I'm still working it out to appreciate the joy and entertainment more thoroughly.
This 'morning', another ice hockey game is being played: Canada vs. Czech Republic to advance to the final for the World Junior Hockey competition. Canada is trailed by Czech 3 to 1 up until second period.
That's not all for today. Another (or two at least in Canadian broadcasting) ice hockey games are coming tonight. The one I'm especially interested in is a game Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres, puck dropping at 7:30 p.m.
Here I go, another hockey fanatic candidate... ^^
