Crveni

Everything I have come to witness, everything I have come to understand,  everything I have come to know,
everything I have come to love, of good and evil, of hockey, of Red Wings, started in early, cold  January in
1997 with a game against the Avalanche, few weeks after I've come to live in the United states from Europe.

While it was not the infamous bench-clearing brawl game that would come a  bit later, it has stuck with me
ever since. And it always will. Without ever seeing a hockey game in my life, without knowing anything  about
the sport, without even knowing of the Red Wings existence, I accidentally stumbled upon a game that would
change my life.

The name, the colors, Scotty Bowman's look, it all left a monumental  impression on a young, innocent kid.
I was surprised that I was mesmerized by something, at first glance so simple and effortless... the  way they
were passing the puck around. I questioned weather it was the Red Wings or the game of hockey itself that
had me spellbound.

I had my answer two days later, during which I tried to watch several  other games, none featuring the magicians
in red and white. "Tried" is the right word, since it took an effort on my part to watch  something that left me mostly
pleasureless.
"So..., the Red Wings then, that's the answer," I thought to myself.  
"Yes, they play hockey too, but, it's Red Wings Hockey."
To this day, it's difficult for me to watch other teams, so I do not.

On the other hand, with the Red Wings, it's always the same on gameday: a  lot of anticipation, a lot of excitement,
dash of fear. When they score: instant dementia that leads to derangement and  culminates in pure ecstasy.
Let's not talk about opponents and playoffs, I'll be banned, and I've  only just registered.

I have been lurking around this forum for two years now. It's finally  time to let my presence felt. Why now? I do not know.
Perhaps the final star has aligned itself in the form of our victory  against the Vancouver Canucks. I am still buzzing from it.
That game made me go and buy Little Caesars pizza at 11 o'clock at  night. I never had Little  Caesars pizza before,
and I have been living here, happily now, for 14 years. I was not even hungry. What can  you say about their $5 Hot-n-Ready!?
It's hot. It's ready. 'Nuff said.

I hope you won't hold it against me, my lengthy introduction and such.
Do not despair. The game is drawing near, and I am out of ale. I must  make haste.

The only question now is: India Pale or Belgian white? Perhaps Red Amber...


Catch you on the flip side.