Hockey Town, MN

Congratulations to me. I went to my very first hockey game last night. I felt so Roseau-ish being there. We played our arch rival the Warroad Warriors. We were defeated. 3-1. But I really think I finally understand the appeal of this whole hockey business.

It's not a matter of great skill or talent or watching promising young professional hopefuls. It's a matter of tradition. In this great big changing world of ours, in the midst of golbal conflict, kids killing eachother and cancer destroying lives, hockey, for Roseau, is something that remains steadfast as the rising of the son. It's something that everyone can take part in. There are the little babies wrapped up in snowsuits sleeping in their mother's arms. There are the elementary schoolers having Boy Vs. Girl tagging wars in the bleachers. The Little boys out on the ice moving the net for the zamboni sweep, thinking about the day when they will play out on the ice. The Jr. Highers who are prepping for their future as the glorious players. The band still plays the same songs they have played for years. The Varsity players skating unto the ice to the cheers of the crowd. Proud parents sit in the bleachers thinking about how all those years of practice and endless sharpening of skates have finally paid off. The Grandma's and Grandpa's who reminse about their times on the ice and dream of even more state championships. Everyone put on their Roseau apparel and screams at the top of their lungs. It's about a rivalship between two towns that is as strong today as it was 50 years ago.
It's not about the game or the outcome. It's about something that has stayed the same from generation to generation. Maybe I like this whole Hockey things. Maybe my kids will play it someday. And maybe I'll watch my son make that game winning goal. Maybe the Mighty Rams are just that, not because they win games but because they have kept this tradition alive for generations.
-Em