Rookie Relections:
A 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women's World Championship Blog

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1: CONFESSIONS OF A “BAD CANADIAN”

Hey, Rookie!

I confess. I don’t know much about hockey – not the rules or the history.

I confess. I really don’t know how to skate – although I’ve taken lessons.
I confess. I am a baaaad Canadian – I dream far too much of southern climates!

So, why on earth would I volunteer to write a blog for the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship?

Well, because I actually enjoy the excitement of being in the stands at SBP Arena in Ottawa, Ont., for a game, even if I don’t understand it.

Because I am repentant and want to understand it!

Because I believe there are a lot of people out there, like me, who want to understand this country’s national sport, but are afraid to ask questions.

Perhaps they’re afraid to ask what others might perceive as dumb questions.

Perhaps they’re afraid they’ll be booed for being anti-Canadian.

Perhaps they’re afraid they’ll be attacked by hotdog rockets!

So, I’m going to take the hit for all of you rookies out there! If there’s a dumb question to ask, I’ll ask it. I’ll take the booing. I’ll even take the hotdog rockets (I like hotdogs anyway!).

By the time May arrives, I am determined to know what “offside” means. I will endeavor to know which player is which. And I’ll learn who convinced female hockey players to wear pink uniforms (remember that?).

I’m on it folks! Join me for the ride. Ask questions (clever or dumb) and I’ll find out the answer. Ask me to do something crazy that’s hockey related—à la Rick Mercer – and I’ll do it. Together, we’ll learn.

Your Hockey Rookie,
Tracy

About Rookie Reflections: Tracy Gagnon is an Ottawa, Ont., resident and a media volunteer for the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship. A self-admitted hockey newbie, Tracy and her fellow volunteers, who are generously giving their energy and time to make this event a success, will take us behind the scenes at SBP Arena in Ottawa, Ont., the Nepean Sportsplex and everywhere in between for the inside scoop on what goes into hosting a major world championship in the nation’s capital – all from the eyes of a total rookie.