Eric Perkins

Hockey Head

I'll admit, I am not a hockey guy. I grew up out west, and to be honest with you, the only leagues out there were filled with east coast transplants trying to get their fix.

Occasionally, I'd go to L.A. Kings games at the Fabulous Forum, back when they had purple uniforms, not the black and silver they don now. It was interesting to watch, but nothing like watching Magic, Kareem and the Lakers.

Eventually though, I moved here to the State of Hockey, and it became hard not to appreciate the sport. Gopher men winning national titles, Gopher women doing the same, traveling to the NHL playoff games, where the Wild were beating Vancouver and Colorado in thrilling Game seven finales.

I admit, it's an awesome sport.

This weekend was a perfect example of that. Crazy State High School Tournament games. How nuts was that Burnsville Grand Rapids finish!? My sports producer is a Burnsville kid. He was walking on clouds one moment, and despondent a minute later.

Then today, that Wild game, winning in overtime. The Gophers squeaking one out in thrilling fashion at Mariucci. Hockey is sweet for sure.

What isn't sweet is the way the equipment smells. But, it's a small price to pay for a sport that brings so much joy. I mean, Gorgonzola cheese stinks, and it brings me a ton of bliss.

perkout