Wednesday, January 26, 2011Today I went to my first NHL hockey game with Nick and Daniel, two brothers from Calgary, Alberta.
It took place in Stampede Park where the world famous Calgary Stampede is held every year. Everyone joins in the fun and dresses up as cowboys with Stetson hats and cowboy boots and jeans.
Even the airport
staff dress up.
There are lots of parades and music and Square Dancing in the streets which anyone can join in.
People here really, really like hockey and the tickets are hard to get.
The game was between the hometown Calgary Flames and the
St. Louis Blues.
The boys didn’t actually have a ticket for me, so I hid inside Daniel’s pocket.
The Flames play in a stadium they call the Saddledome, because it’s shaped like, you guessed it, a western saddle.
Once we were in our seats I realized just how big the stadium was!
Almost all the seats were full of people wearing red hockey jerseys, which is the the colour the Flames wear when they play at home.
They all had a big “C” logo on the front. The fans are referred to as “The C (sea) of Red.”
Nick and Daniel had their jerseys on too. I felt bad that I didn’t have anything red to wear.
After everyone stood up to sing the Canadian and American national anthems, the game began.
It was exciting and the crowd was very loud - especially when Calgary scored. I was jumping up and down shouting, 'Haway the lads!' (that's what we shout when Newcassel plays).
Nick and Daniel held me up so I could get a better view.
Between periods (there are 3) we went to get something to eat.
The boys bought giant pretzels that were bigger than me!
Calgary ended up winning the game 4 goals to 1.
Everyone cheered and actual flames shot up to the ceiling while they played Johnny Cash singing “Ring of Fire.”
I’m glad I got a chance to experience Canada’s favourite sport.
Go Flames Go!!
GO THE 'LEAFS!!!!!
ReplyDelete..from someone who once spent 3 years in Toronto