        I love watching hockey… oddly enough I’m a terrible skater. I just never had the drive to get good at something that hurt my feet that much. I was just never a fan of strapping knives to my feet and stepping out onto the ice, I have rather terrible balance, so who could really blame me. Playing wasn’t my thing.
               However, I was born the year the Swift Current Broncos won the Memorial Cup. I grew up like most people in Canada watching hockey and junior hockey was what we watched. We were Bronco fans, and I still am, I’m hoping they topple the Warriors in their playoffs. As I write this they’re headed into Game 6 and are up by one game.
               The game itself is fun to watch, it’s based on athleticism and skill, it’s definitely a finesse game; something I wasn’t inclined to excel at but can appreciate others’ abilities. Yet, at the same time, as they pass, deke, and try to find the back of the net, the game of finesse is also a game of brutality. The big hit, fights, it’s a well rounded game with something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy. I think it’s why it’s such a popular game in Canada.
               For me though, the game takes me back to late nights in Swift Current either going to the game with my parents, and my aunt and uncle who had season tickets as well, or with grandparents. It brings back that nostalgia. Living where I do, I don’t get to see my family often. It’s something that I’ve chosen, to be out this way working and coaching; but, at times it can be difficult and having those memories are special.
               I watch NHL games because it’s hockey and it reminds me of going to the games in Swift. Memories come back of my aunty teaching me how to keep track of the goals and assists on that roster sheet that came in the programs. Thoughts of being carried in from the vehicle after the hour drive home from the game. The Broncos had the best mascot out there, Charlie Horse: I’m not sure who it was in the early 90s, but whoever they had was awesome: he’d be walking along the boards banging his drum or skating on the ice… maybe he was the best because I was five and today’s kids think the same thing of him today. But, I remember thinking he was the best one out there.
               One game in particular stands out. It must have been Hallowe’en or something because all I remember is Batman and Spiderman up in the rafters. One came from right above where we were sitting and the other one from straight across from us. And I was in awe as they came down on a zip line to the ice.
               So, my hockey memories aren’t necessarily tied up in the game; but, the memories built around the game. In fact, I can even remember my first little kid crush, when I was six or seven, was on Jeff Henkelman; he played defense for the Broncos and was the captain for a couple years. But, I remember we were at the mall in Swift the one day and my sister wanted a photo with all of the players that were there for this meet and great picture day; all I wanted was a photo with the captain though. I remember I couldn’t talk, I just smiled and was so excited to get a picture with him.
               So, it’s the memories built around the Broncos that make me a fan and I think for many people that’s why you stay a loyal fan. Not necessarily the win/loss ratio, although winning is easier, but the nostalgia of what you grew up in.
