The Hockey Game

Players skate in zig-zag formation, home team and

visitors on their respective sides of the ice. Lights flash

and wild music blares. The announcer asks the spectators

to stand and remove their hats for the presentation of the

Colors and singing of Our National Anthem. The fat man

with stubby arms and an Italian last name sings: “Oh say

can you see...Land of the free and home of the Brave.”

And the raucous crowd goes wild. Over the PA system,

the announcer names the visiting team starters, mostly

from Canada and Russia as booing erupts from the spec-

tators. Then, the home team, again, some from Canada,

a goal keeper from Finland and a few native of the US.

And wild cheers from the 18,000 spectators in the stands.

St. Louis vs Boston for Ice Hockey’s coveted Stanley Cup,

7^th and final game. And from there, sweeping, slashing,

crashing and careening up against the boards. The forwards

charge, the goaltenders guard as the defense charge, slam

and defend. I watch the game play out from home on the TV.

And after three periods, the clock runs out, and a buzzer

sounds the end. Blues win over the Bruins, 4 goals to 1.

Even in my youth and on my best day, I never could skate.

Weak ankles, you see. Badminton was more my speed.

Unlike a puck, the birdie never caused serious injury. And

on ice, even without skates, I manage to fall on my ass.

And too in Badminton, a net always separates the opponents.

Chris Hanch 6-14-19