My Blackhawks Band-aid

What kind of post merits such an epic Journey song title? The kind of post that proves it hurts no one to dream and believe in something bigger than yourself.  One of the things I love about hockey is the chase: the rush to the game, the desperate want of goals, the following of players.  Everytime I set foot in the United Center, I’m aware of the awesome energy that surrounds both us and the players.  It’s a never ending feed: we give the team inspiration because they inspire us.  My 7 year old nephew, Tristan, grasps this concept and holds Kaner in the highest light.

It’s refreshing to see the way a child believes in someone so profoundly.  To Tristan, Kane is a super hero…someone who helped bring so much pride to the city of Chicago by shooting the game winning goal for the Stanley Cup.  I’ll never dare to crush his image by saying that Kaners is just a normal 23 year old guy who happens to be loaded and talented.

I know I have posted a few times about when Tristan has tried to meet his hero.  A month ago, we got very close to seeing this happen as I helped Tristan create a sign that said, “Kane, you’re my hero! Autograph?”  Kane’s dad saw the sign and smile to us.  Other plays even read it on their way out and gave Tristan endearing smiles.  We honestly thought Papa Kane would helps us out and let his son know that Tristan was out there waiting for him.  Unfortunately, Kane never came out and we left with a brokenhearted seven year old.

That time was at least progress from our first attempt when Kane looked directly at Tristan but rushed out anyway.  I had to convice a crying seven year old that he probably really wanted to meet him but just couldn’t stop or he’d miss his flight.  The bottom line was that T got snummed by his idol and it hurt.

So this past Friday, as Kaner got his groove back, we tried once again.  I helped Tristan make his sign and we went up to the window.  This time, Tristan was realistic…almost pessimistic about the chances of Kane even noticing him.  Papa Kane once more saw us but we knew not to get our hopes up with his acknowledgement.  Surprisingly, Kane came out of the locker room rather early.  He stopped to schmooze with whoever hangs outside of the locker room and we started pounding on the window like maniacs!

At one point, I thought for sure we’d get kicked out for causing damage to the glass.  kane glanced over his shoulder to what I’m sure looked like a group of lunatics.  The only tthing was that all of the lunatics were pointing to a seven year holding a simple sign, eyes bright with hope.

I don’t know how it happened…in fact, I didn’t even see Kane’s lips move.  He just point at Tristan and nudged to the security guard to let him in.  My heart stopped as I watched the shock wash over Tristan’s face.  I had to push him out the door so that he would move.   The pictures say it all and as I watched Kane take the time to meet someone who idolizes him, I was reassured that hockey is more than just a sport, a game, a past time.  Hockey and everything that comes with it is inspirational and glorious.  Fans extending from Tristan’s age to those who can still recall their first game at the Chicago stadium share in the exact same excitement.  Moments like these make me proud to call myself a Blackhawks fan because it means something so much more.

And we were tossing names around…I suggested Mikita…everyone fell in love. I more proud of this than I am of my double major in English and Creative Writing…awesome.

Patrick Sharp’s little girl and John Scott’s little girl could.be.bffs….just sayin’…let the play dates begin!!!