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Stanley Cup superstitions
Well my direct involvement in the on-ice portion of this tournament has ended after the Yaks II suffered our third defeat of the tournament (Although our partner club made it to the quarters).
Today’s games were played as the snow fell and it really created a fantastic hockey atmosphere. It was a bit colder than yesterday, but I didn’t hear anyone complaining.
The game notes from the third tilt: Choppy outdoor ice can be a pain. I had an open net and sent the puck along the ice only to watch it hit a bump and sail about six inches over the cross bar. I can see how players who log a lot of time on the ponds develop their stickhandling abilities. To capture a bouncing puck along natural ice can be a bear.
The games now advance to the semifinals and finals on Sunday. Unfortunately I forgot my connecter cord that lets me transfer my photos so I’m relying on you to send me some good action shots to post online. Send them to photos@usahockey.org
One final note for Saturday: With the Stanley Cup on hand yesterday, I heard a mixture of opinions on whether fans should touch the coveted trophy. Some fans would get close, but not touch it while others would do whatever they could get away with under the watchful eye of the Cup guardians.
Throughout the day today I conducted an informal poll of fans and players and the overwhelming majority said they either would touch the Cup.
Adrian Grenier, 38, best summed up the general sentiment on the topic.
“If you’re young and have any chance to win it as a player or team official, then I wouldn’t touch it but if you’re an old hack like the rest of us then the closest you’re going to come is a photo with it,” he said.
My friend Steve from Arizona placed the one barrier he wouldn’t cross at raising the Cup above his head. Granted the Cup guardians wouldn’t let you do this anyway, but if the situation ever came about I’d have to take the similar restraint because I feel lifting it is reserved only for champions.
What do you think? Send me your responses to camerone@usahockey.org
Tag(s): Tournament Blog
