Elizabeth Banks

Little known fact: I was the statistician for my State Champion high school hockey team. Dated the team captain, too! So, ok! I’m convined. I’ll watch the Bruins with you, Kelly : ) Xx EB

The NHL is back! After months and months of negotiations, the players and owners reached an agreement to get back to "work" for a 48 game season. I'm pumped....Cue Zombie Nation!

Let me start by saying that, since 2005, I have been the Public Address Announcer for the Boston Bruins. The 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins (ahem).  Growing up in the Northeast with French-Canadian heritage, I was practically born with hockey skates on.  I spent my childhood waking up at 5 am for my brother's early morning games in freezing arenas.  My father coached; my brother still plays (and he's in his 40's!).  And now, I'm lucky enough to actually work for the team I was glued to the television watching.  And I got a Stanley Cup ring! Truly one of the absolute highlights of my life.  

Now some of you out there might be saying, "Hockey, boorring. You can't see the puck and all they do is fight."  Well let me tell you, hockey is THE greatest sport. And, you don't need to live in Canada to appreciate it. Hands down....and here is why:

1. It’s exciting! (Unlike some sports…)  
Try watching a NHL playoff hockey game and then flip over to a baseball game.  Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.  These guys play at 100% With the possibility of a goal being scored at any second along with the pure finesse of the game, it's absolutely impossible for your heart not to race.  Any moment could be THE moment...the decisive and most important part of the game.  NOT JUST THE LAST 2 MINUTES THAT DRAG ON FOR 1/2 HOUR.  (Sorry Basketball fans)  And the fighting...well, there aren't normally a lot of penalties called so the players police the game themselves.  Plus, admit it, the fighting is kind of exciting!

2. The players are badass.
They are talented, tough, and have the personality of your neighbor next door.  Being able to ice skate all while controlling a puck with a stick and checking and dodging other players is an amazing feat.  It's not uncommon to see a player playing bruised up, with broken bones, and not to mention their teeth (or lack thereof). 

Best of all? 

3. The game is easy to understand.
The puck is easy to follow and the fan excitement is contagious.  The game is played between two teams with six players (five skaters and a goalie) on the ice. A team usually consists of four lines of three forwards, three pairs of defensemen, and two goalies. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take the puck and score a goal against the opposing team. Each team has a goaltender that tries to stop the puck from going into the goal or "net.” Penalties are awarded to players when they make an infraction.  Depending on whether the penalty was a "minor" or "major", one team will be short-handed for a short period of time; typically two minutes.  That's when the game really gets exciting!  Oh, and there are three 20-minute periods, thus making the game a full hour of action.

You must, MUST, get to a game and see it live.  There is absolutely nothing like seeing the NHL in person. There are teams spread throughout most of the major US cities and many of them are offering great incentives now that the league is back in action.  Take advantage!  And if you need a little inspiration, then check out my two favorite hockey movies: Slapshot and Miracle. 

And finally, if you can't sometimes see the puck ....well maybe you should pay more attention.  Trust me, you won't regret it!  Oh, and GO BRUINS!

Have you ever been to a hockey game?

If not, WHY?!