As we all wait with baited breath to yet again see what happens in game 7, I think it’s important to realize that regardless of the outcome tomorrow, all of this (sports fandom and the excitement of the playoffs) is because of the fans, and our energy and passion during the games shows how much we enjoy times like these.
Without fans, let’s say it was the same two teams playing in some random arena without any fanfare or media coverage, sure we would see some exciting hockey, but honestly who would really care? I think that it’s a beautiful thing that should be acknowledged at a time when so many terrible events steal the headlines far too often these days. The majority of us are here, because the rest of us are here, and that’s what I think we all enjoy the most. Sure, there are always going to be a minority of individuals who are trouble makers regardless of the event or situation, but most of us have things well in perspective, and simply enjoy common bonds and gathering together to escape other realities and just enjoy the moment. What actually happens on the ice is out of our control, and we should always remember that.
I was in Boston last year with friends for a Leafs-Bruins regular season game, and all of us were decked in Leafs gear, cheering loudly for the Leafs, and they won the game. The most memorable part however wasn’t the win, it was the fun we had in the concourse area of the TD Garden with Bruins fans who were just like us, but cheering for black and gold instead of blue and white. Although on the surface we were complete strangers to one another and we were rooting for the opposition, we all had a blast joking around and just enjoying the moment. That’s the best part of all of this experience.