I made a number of sacrifices when I came to Japan. I knew there would be things that I wouldn’t be able to do and people that I wouldn’t see anymore. One thing, however, that I didn’t see coming would be a return to the Stanley Cup Finals by my favorite hockey team, The Edmonton Oilers. That might have been one sacrifice too much.
Those that know me know that I am a devoted Oilers fan and have been since 1994. I missed the years they were winning their Championships, but have stuck with them through their “rebuilding” years. I was there in 1997, screaming like a lunatic when Todd Marchant put the puck in during game 7 and eliminated the Dallas stars. I was there when they were almost sold to an American investor and shipped off to god knows where. I was the when they kept getting tossed from the playoffs by Dallas. I was there when they got their third jersey and I was there during the lockout, wondering if the Oilers would ever be able to remain in Edmonton.
And now that they are going to the Stanley Cup, where I am? I am about 14 000km away from home and feeling a strong longing to be back cheering them on. I can’t tell you why I like hockey so much. I can’t explain why I will listen to as many Oilers games as I can on Internet radio. Maybe it’s just something in my blood. Regardless, this has been a bittersweet time for me. There is really only one thing I can do at the moment, and that is to cheer on my hockey team with all my energy. I won’t be on Whyte Ave or on Jasper Ave, nor I won’t be at Rexall place. I will be here in northern Japan, screaming my lungs out every time Rod Phillips screams at the top of his lungs, “He scores.” I am an Oilers fan for life, and no matter where I live on this vast planet, I will always cheer the men in blue. GO OILERS GO! I know you’re going to win this one.
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