My Stanley Cup Experience
Donning, my 20-year-old Steve Yzerman t-shirt I strolled with fellow game goers along the river towards the Joe Louis Arena.
Look to the right, the streets of Detroit, look to the left the city of Windsor. So far a likely scene, Red Wings fans along with Pittsburgh fans that made the trip, were flowing towards the rink to cheer their respective team to victory.
However, it's not a typical game; it's Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final!!!
My first Stanley Cup game, my first time at the Joe and my first time truly understanding what it means to be a fan of greatness!
The Joe Louis Arena houses one of the most successful hockey franchises in existence. The original 6 status gives the Red Wings barn a magnetism while the legends who played there and the Stanley Cups captured give it a swagger.
About to enter through the Gordie Howe entrance, my cell phone rings; it's my Uncle Dennis.
A former Red Wing in the late 70's, he instructs me to go to the door and tell the people who I am and head to the Alumni Lounge. I laugh and say; "Ya as if they're going to just let me in" ... they did!
I followed my Uncle's instructions and wound up outside the Alumni Lounge where a kind gentleman named Charlie gave me my pass and told me to go on in. I enter, look like a fish out of water and sit and wait for my uncle to arrive. Five minutes later he strolls in and shakes everyone's hand. 30 years after his career ended with the Wings, you can still see the pride not only he, but every former player has about being a part of the Red Wings organization.
From there, there is a whirl wind of introductions, too many names to remember before my cousin Denny (Jr.) buys me my first beer at the Joe. Only $2.50 in the alumni lounge!!!
With five minutes to puck drop I scoot to my seat; it's magic time!!!!
The sold out crowd makes up a see of red and white. The lights go down and the place erupts. 21,000 fans on their feet anticipating the flight of the defending Stanley Cup champion Red Wings. The opening show is a mix of history and the present legacy. Finally the octopus drops from the ceiling and the Wings explode onto the ice. The noise within the Joe is deafening but exhilarating and you can't help but loose it along with every other fan!!! From there, two hockey legends, Ted Lindsay and Gordie Howe drop the ceremonial pucks. On the way off ice Howe high fives each member of the Red Wings bench; he's still got it!
Now it's time to get to business; the puck drops and away we go. The atmosphere almost makes you forget the two best teams in the NHL are about to battle it out.
The skill of Crosby is evident which makes Lidstrom and Zetterberg's ability to shut him down even more impressive. Evgeni Malkin is a wizard with the puck and Chris Osgood deserves much more credit than he gets.
First period, Brad Stuart gets an un-assisted goal off a tough bounce on Marc-Andre Fleury; not a pretty goal but it doesn't matter. The red light is lit and the roof comes off the Joe!!
The Penguins square it up before period end and game one of the Stanley Cup is everything I thought it would be.
With so many superstars to watch, it's hard to take in everything going on, on the ice. However, being the Manitoba girl I am I was always aware when the pride of St. Andrew's, Darren Helm was on the ice. Detroit fans yelling, "That a boy Helmer!" The kid has entered their hearts and has found a home in Hockeytown!
Perhaps the best moment of the entire game was the point when Journey's song "Don't Stop Believing", began to play. Fans rose to their feet in anticipation for the second verse. It might have been my first game in Hockeytown but I knew what was coming. The music cut out and the Joe crowd gave a beautiful rendition of the line, "Born and raised in south Detroit." The words rang through the rafters and suddenly the outsider felt like an insider and high fives were given all around!
The Red Wings came out on top after 60 minutes, 3-1 the final, for a 1-0 series lead in the best of seven.
After the 60, headed back down to the Alumni Lounge to visit with my family and as soon as I walked in my uncle said, "Leah I want to introduce you to a living legend!" A moment later I was shaking hands with Ted Lindsay. Trust me there is nothing Terrible about Ted! The four time Stanley Cup winner was gracious and lovely and enjoyed the fact I was a Canadian "kid".
The night wraps up exiting the Joe from the players entrance with the knowledge I would do it all again the next day for game two!
Both games were amazing, the Red Wings took a 2-0 series lead. This sportscaster felt it was over....but suddenly the best of seven is now a best of three and Pittsburgh fans at the Mellon Arena did exactly what the fans at the Joe did, supported their team to victory!!
The city of Detroit is in a sad economic situation; in fact one lady thanked us for spending money in her town. However, the city has no competition when it comes to dedication and love for their Red Wings. It truly is Hockeytown!
