Hockey Fights Aren't Just For Hockey Players

(Originally posted by Me on 02/04/2008)

Let me preface this by writing that I hate most things from Chicago and no, I had not had one beer all night...

The Admirals played the Chicago Wolves last Friday night. And in typical Lacey-at-a-hockey-game fashion, I was, vocal. Nay, obnoxious. But who isn’t? Anyhow, after about 45 minutes of verbal abuse and sailor swearing at anything on the ice not wearing an Admirals jersey, a call was made by the Ref that did not sit well with the Wolves bench. The entire bench was on it’s feet screaming at the top of their lungs. And then it happened...

Like Moses parting the Red Sea, a hush came over the crowd just long enough for the Israelites that are my words to walk through:

SHUT UP!!!

Which looking back now really isn’t all that bad. There were no vulgarities. No player-specific put-downs. What’s the big deal? But back to the story...

The ENTIRE Wolves bench looks over at me, including the coach. (Did I mention that I sit just to the left of the visitor’s bench?) The nearest player to me, Alexandre Giroux, decided that my little outburst would not go unnoticed. He chose to leave the realm of sports professionalism to yell back. I think his words were something like: Like you know anything about hockey! (That’s the PG version) I then maturally retorted with FUCK YOU!

Later in the 2nd period, nearly undefended, Ol’ Alex slapped one in for a goal to tie the game. Upon returning to the bench he felt we needed further dialog. He kept yelling at me: Wasn’t that a beautiful shot? Wasn’t that great? Unfortunately, I am not so good on my feet with comebacks. Especially now, since I was completely stunned that this was even happening. The only thing I could say was that he should act like a professional and pay attention to the game and not me. However, the diehard Wolves fans sitting behind me decided to chime in and loudly agree with Alex. I really wanted to turn around and start something with them, but they come to every Milwaukee-Chicago game and sit behind me. I don’t need that kind of headache.

Every time the Ads scored after that, I commented loudly how beautiful all their goals were. Yadda yadda yadda, Admirals regained the lead and won the game. On his way into the tunnel, Alex decided to stop and say "good game" to me. I thought that was great.

Prior to the game, I was on the fence about going to the next Chicago game because it’s on Valentine’s Day. But this solidifies it, I’m going... and I’m thinking about bringing him a Valentine’s gift.