Who am I?

I’m an American Muslim (convert) woman (of German, English, and Irish descent) approaching middle age, born and raised in the Middle America and a hockey fan. Yes, I am a walking contradiction and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Why hockey?

I blame this (as well as my taste in music) on my uncle. When I was a kid I collected baseball cards with a few friends in my neighborhood (I was such a tomboy at this time). My uncle told me to collect hockey cards because they were worth more money. So I started, and started watching more hockey. Every Saturday, since my family had a satellite dish, I used to watch Hockey Night in Canada on the CBC. My uncle also took me to some Indianapolis Ice (of the IHL; now defunct) games. The seeds of love was born.

Then what happened?

Then I went off to college, away from all things hockey. Thus started my 10+ year-hiatus.

So why now?

A few years ago, my colleague always talked about his fantasy baseball team. I decided to give it a try, but quickly got bored with it because I really didn’t know anything about baseball. At the end of the season, I discovered that they offer fantasy hockey teams. I decided to try that, since I understood this sport better than any other. At the end of the season I was excited again, and went through a major re-education of the current NHL. What happened to the Québec Nordiques? (They moved to Colorado). Winnepeg Jets? (They went to Phoenix…what? Phoenix has a team now?) Hartford Whalers? (Carolina now). Even, when I wanted to see the Indianapolis Ice, I discovered that they were bought to be moved to Topeka. Now there is the Indiana Ice, a junior-level league in the USHL. Talk about changes galore. (Somethings didn’t change though, I still recognize some names. Sergei Fedorov is still playing, though not the high scorer he used to be).

Why this blog?

I am interested in doing freelance writing or possibly french translation in the future. I hope to use this blog as a possible springboard to practice and refine my skills.

Why hockey in the Midwest?

Well, because I am a product of the Midwest. I am a fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets (don’t laugh, they are having a great start this season!). Unfortunately, I do not live in Ohio, so I cannot see them on television. I am a secondary fan of the Chicago Blackhawks (whenever they are not playing the Blue Jackets). I am able to watch the away games (and a select few home games) on Comcast Sports Net – Chicago. So, I will focus a lot on these teams. But I will also talk about other things happening in the world of hockey. I regularly read items from the Canadian press (both in French and in English) and will use this information in here.

Which Team Is Your Favorite?

Columbus Blue Jackets.  When I decided to follow hockey full-time once again, I wanted a team to support.  I looked around the Central Division and knowing I like underdogs, I went for Columbus.  A close second though is the Chicago Blackhawks.

Which Team do you hate the most?

There are two teams actually.  The Nashville Predators, who seem to be great big bullies.  The other is the Detroit Red Wings because they are just too good.

Are you a Puck Bunny?

Heck no.  I’m too old for that.  And if you really know me you’d know that I am not the kind of girl who discuss the relative “hotness” of guys.  It’s enough I am married, and since I’ve always been into older guys, Chris Chelios would be the only candidate, and he plays for the Red Wings, so that’s a big turn off.

What are your other turnoffs?

People talking loudly in public on cell phones, especially about private matters (I really don’t care about what your significant other has done to you, especially if you are a stranger), people using the Bluetooth, rude people, people who act like they are better than me because they got a college degree that can gain them a high-paying job, people who hate books.