Being a 'New Fan'

I've never hidden the fact that I am new to the game. I never followed a season worth of hockey before this year. I only started playing ice hockey this January, my first game ever being on the Canal with the big freeze! The name of this blog even pays homage to how new I am to the sport. So what?

I bring this up after seeing a comment about my relative lack of experience following the Caps posted to Ted's post linking my blog a few days back. It was as if the rest of the words didn't seem to matter to the reader, just that I had only been with this team for two post seasons, and that made my take less worth while. I couldn't help but note that he hadn't mentioned anything about the Wounded Warriors program, good to see his fan rage takes precedent over thinking of something important like them.

So what makes one fan think his words are more important than another? Years following them? How often have they been out to a game? What seats they fill when they get there? How about how many practices they make it out for? Events in and around the area put on by the team? Merchandise owned? Signatures gained?

I hadn't paid attention to the NHL until this team was pointed out to me. This group of guys that skated fast, hit hard, and played the puck with a style I hadn't seen before. If it weren't for this team and the hard pressing offensive game they play, would I be paying attention to hockey right now? Were it not for them would I be watching every game I can every night it's on? Would I have my cable box tuned to NHL network nearly every day for at least a few hours to learn more about the game I've come to love so much all over again? If it weren't for the Washington Capitals would I be itching every day to get back out on the ice myself and press my game harder and a little further? Would I be hitting the gym to make myself better on the ice too? Would I even know about the Wounded Warrior hockey program to try and help with it?

This team created a hockey addict out of me. I can't get enough. My wife loves this game and watches every game with me because of this team. They've inspired me to get back to the game I loved as a kid on the street and to take it to the next step out on the ice. I've lost 15 pounds and am likely in the best shape of my life (even after 5 years in the US Army). I'm meeting new people I wouldn't have met before, striking up conversations I wouldn't have had. I'm finding new ground with old friends. The longer I think about it, there are more and more things that spring to mind about all of the great things I would be missing out on if it weren't for the Washington Capitals and the great cast of players/coaches/everyone who makes the team run.

So when you go to criticize someone about the lack of longevity in their respective fandom, think twice. Just because you've watched a bunch of games, doesn't make you more dedicated to the game and the team.