I did not grow up a hockey fan.
Baseball ruled my house with football trailing right behind. My entire sports schedule revolved around Opening Day in April to the World Series in October. Sundays were for football, but November to March was a dry time.
Last year, I finally gave a hockey a real chance. People seem to enjoy that funny game on ice, so what’s the harm in giving it a look?
Funny things happened. I fell in love with the sport almost immediately.
I found myself out at Phoenix Coyotes games as often as possible, because after one, I was hooked. I became more emotionally invested in them than I ever thought I would, and I was very nearly heartbroken when it looked like they would leave Arizona.
Hockey is not as popular in Arizona as it should be. A lot of people are reluctant to give it a chance. And from my own experience, I can say a good number of people dislike hockey because they’ve never been to the rink.
So go to a Coyotes game, an ASU game, a Phoenix Knights or Phoenix Firebirds game. Because if I can come to love hockey, so can you.
Reach the reporter at justin.emerson@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @J15Emerson
