What am I doing watching a hockey game?
I grew up in a family of six siblings and in my house, we watched all sports, soccer, baseball, tennis and even boxing.
Well, all except hockey.
I discovered that here in Canada.
When I first arrived, my husband and I were invited by the company we worked for, VIP, to a hockey game at the “Saddledome”, the city stadium.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the beer, the fans cheering the Calgary Flames, the local team, while huge flames appeared on the audience shouting “Goal!”
I remember telling my husband, “I can’t see the ball”, and he replied, “there is no ball, but a small disk called a puck.”
The fact is that a week ago, on Thursday, February 20th at six pm local time, an entire country fell silent.
The only thing that could be heard was the sound of steel on ice, splash, splash, and the clack, clack of hockey sticks hitting each other. I perfectly understand why this sport is not very popular in Venezuela, with our temperament, competing with a stick in hand is kind of dangerous.
The game was tied, 2-2, overtime would have to be played, and the winner would be decided by a golden goal.
My nerves could not take it any longer and I turned off the television.
Suddenly, a deafening roar was heard.
Goal for Canada!
We won 3-2 in the Nations Cup hockey final between Canada and the United States.
The flame of joy (and relief) erupted throughout the country.
In these bizarre and threatening times, this triumph represented much more than a sporting victory.
Sport is determination, nobility and courage.
Three virtues that describe very well my adopted country.
From now on I will be a hockey fan, at least I know now that there is no ball but a puck.
Today she shares her “impulsive meditations” from Calgary, Canada, where she lives.
leonorcanada@gmail.com