Oh So Close

Two days from right now, we will be back in Blueland, welcoming the return of the greatest sport to Atlanta. And I can’t wait. I was at Face Off event last night (not as a season ticket holder, but with Fan/Hockey Development. Anyone play hockey last night?), and it did nothing but get me really excited for the season to start. The jerseys look incredible, I love the choice of Captain, and I absolutely cannot wait to see Little and Sterling and all of the new guys tear it up.

Meanwhile, what should we do to pass the time? One of my favorite things is to go over repeatedly what is going to happen Friday. So here is what I am looking forward to in a few short days.

I can’t wait to wake up Friday morning and put on my jersey, and the looks and questions it will bring when I go to class all day.

I can’t wait to watch Miracle and Mystery, Alaska between classes with my friends.

I can’t wait to get ready right after my last class, throw the scarf on, and start the greatest walk I get to make down Centennial Park Drive to the Arena.

I can’t wait to pass the time on the walk discussing the new players, who they will play with, and how much we hate Donald Brashear.

I can’t wait to walk through the revolving doors into CNN and past the always tempting smell of McCormick & Schmick’s.

I can’t wait to walk in the Center and see the sea of Blue and Red, and the incredible differences between the diehard hockey fans and the formal businessmen.

I can’t wait to order a number 8 off the Taco Bell value meal, with two soft and one hard taco, and a Code Red Mountain Dew.

I can’t wait to be in line ridiculously early, and talk with all the other crazy fans there.

I can’t wait to rush into the Arena to get a good seat for warm-ups, and then that absolutely breath stopping rush of cold air and overwhelming view of the ice as I finally enter.

I can’t wait to watch warm-ups, find my seat, and then see the Southeast Division Championship banner raised to the rafters, so that finally we have a banner of our own to look at instead of the Widespread Panic one.

And finally, I can’t wait to watch the introductions, and the puck drop.

Hockey is almost here. Can you wait?