I am pretty well versed in the world of sport, but when it comes to hockey, I'm usually way behind the eight ball. Hockey has never been one those sports that I grew up following like I did baseball and football. Growing up in the northern Kentucky area, it wasn't a pro sport, only a minor league one, so I never kept on eye on it that closely. That pretty much changed when I had to cover the Winter Classic in Philadelphia earlier this month. The day before the classic I shot the last home game of the season for the Philadelphia Eagles as they hosted the Washington Redskins, a ho hum game that meant nothing as both teams were out of the playoff picture. So, on to the classic the next day and what a grand event that turned out to be for me.
From the time I arrived to the baseball stadium, which was converted to an open air hockey rink for the game, it was nothing but excitement as the host Flyers took on the New York Rangers for a 3p.m. face off with just a hint of winter in the air. I had a great shooting position right behind the goal on the third base side, to the right of the net. As the teams faced off, I couldn't help but be in awe of the event and that fact I had one of the best seats in the house. While the game was pretty normal for a mid-season NHL hockey game, a 3-2 win for the visiting Rangers, it was a great experience for me. The sights, the sounds, the game, all of it. One I'll never forget. And yes, I read about hockey everyday now on the internet machine, I'm hooked.
