They glided on the ice so gracefully… back and forth… it seemed effortless. Warm ups had such flow, as players took shots and seemed to float on top of the ice. That is until the period started and the puck dropped! It was like World War III, Tampa Bay vs Vancouver. These hockey players wasted no time pushing each other against the walls, tripping each other, even punching each other in the back of the head in some instances. And just like that, one item on my 2015 Bucket List was accomplished!!!
I was simply scrolling through my email and saw a good deal to attend a Tampa Bay Lightning Game on Living Social (I am addicted to Living Social and GroupOn! Don’t judge me!!). I Immediately checked it out and realized it was a pretty good deal. For $25 I get to experience hockey and get a free puck… Though I probably won’t have use for the $6 puck. Either way, I was excited and immediately contacted one of my friends to join in on the fun.
As we arrived, the atmosphere was great. Outside of Amalie Arena (downtown Tampa) there stood a stage with live music going, benches and tables to sit and drink, drink stands food trucks. I thought this was pretty cool even if you aren’t headed for the game, you can always hang out for a little and head home. So we got our tickets and free puck from the Living Social line, and got some food.
Soon after we headed to our seats to take in hockey. I had no clue what was happening on most calls, but I stayed eager to see who was going to get pushed down next, or when the next power play would happen. I think, this is where players get called for a violation and end up off the ice for like 2 minutes. At this time, it leaves fewer players on the team, while the opposing team has the advantage. At one point it was 1 goalie, and 3 players for Tampa Bay against all 6 players of Vancouver! It was great seeing them bust their butt to protect their goal and they did.
I loved the fast pace of hockey in comparison to other sports. There was NO out-of-bounds so the game continues on and on with very few interruptions. Also, even when they make subs, they do so rather quickly and the puck often times still in play. I was amazed by this quick transition. Let’s just say this would not work in sports like volleyball… I mean imagine if you passed a volleyball and just ran off the court and switched. It would be interesting but such a mess! #FAIL
Now I am not sure if this is normal, or I just happen to attend on a special night. Tampa Bay Lightning honored many people throughout the night: veterans, teachers, police offers and local philanthropist making a change in their community. I loved that aspect, and it was great to see the crowd once rowdy pay their respects to those making a change!
So, I am saying all these great things…. but what didn’t I like?
I was definitely NOT a fan of 20 minute intermission between periods!!! Sitting there for 20 minutes TWICE… was not something I thought was necessary. Luckily, they had good entertaining games to pass the time, as well as being able to have conversation with my friend… but seriously HOCKEY… 20 MINUTE INTERMISSION… TWICE??? I think you all need to revise that rule ASAP. Preferably before I watch the next hockey game.
In the end, I must say I was on the edge of my seat the entire 3 periods… and I am planning on going again. I may even take it onto myself to actually learn a bit more about the teams and the sport before I go back. But what I have learned from this experience is….
If you can’t play nice, Play Hockey!!
