I should be at the hockey arena right now for game 7.
Lately I've been extremely busy, I just finished up my freshman year in high school, took my first ever state produced test, and I've been going to way too many hockey games.
Now, you're probably saying, "Way too many?"
Yes.
I went when I should've studied for exams and it was a mistake. I went to the Calder Cup Semifinals and the finals and it was an emotional ride.
I'm a Crunch fan. I'm a Marlies fan. For all the people saying "Oh you hate the Marlies now," you're really pissing me off. A lot. First off, I love my Marlies unconditionally and would never forget about them. Second of all, I'm from Syracuse, so I can't support my hometown? And you guys were technically telling me to support the Griffins, the team that knocked out the Marlies in the first round? Good Lord, think before you speak. Who says I can't be a fan of more than one team? Get a grip.
Sorry for that rant, though. I had to get that off my chest. Anyways, I recently went to a finals game the other day. It was the game that Syracuse had to win in order to fight off elimination. It was probably the most nerveracking, amazing, awful officiated, heartbreaking game I've been too.
The game was great but a lot of fans, including me, went home brokenhearted but proud.
Syracuse Crunch defenceman Mark Barberio. I'm a fan. If you follow me on Twitter, you know he's one of my favorite players on the team. He gets elbowed, or whatever you'd like to call it, in the gut. He's bent over on the ice, and I'm literally about to have an emotional breakdown. I was so nervous we were about to lose one of the most powerful players on the team, and right now wasn't the best time. He went over to the bench, might've thrown up (it looked like he was, but I'm still unsure if he threw up or was just bent over in pain). Luckily, he didn't go to the locker room, which was a good sign. He continued to play after a minute or so.
Griffins hooked at least four Crunch players and didn't get a penalty. I also noticed, as did my father, that a lot of penalties that the Griffins should've taken were given to the Crunch. Now that's ridiculous.
Crunch had the lead for awhile, but then it was given up, and the Griffins go on to win the Calder Cup 5-2. Along with at least 6,000 other fans, I wasn't happy. I was standing right behind of the Griffins celebration. The crowd started a chant, "Let's Go Crunch," so the Crunch knew that even though we were absolutely devastated this team just won the Cup, we still were so proud of them for going this far in the playoffs. It was a landmark season in Syracuse hockey. Some say it was even the best season Syracuse has ever had.
I look over at the Crunch. They salute their fans, (which they didn't have to do so thank you Crunch, that was really nice of you guys), and I notice their faces. Sadness, expected, but there was one person I noticed instantly.
Barberio.
I met him a few weeks back, having him sign a puck that almost knocked me out (it was hit into the stands during a playoff game, went right by my face). He's literally one of the nicest guys I've ever met, and I'm not over-exaggerating. It was so mobbed when I met him that I wasn't expecting to get a picture with him, but he was like "Of course we can get a picture" and so enthusiastic about it, I mean, come on, that's just showing class right there. If you don't believe me then you can go look up news articles where he's done interviews, talked to fans, etc., and people will say he's a super nice guy. And it's the truth.
He was crying. I never thought I'd see a hockey player cry, but then I realize, they're humans, they have feelings. That man freaking fought through getting elbowed and then throwing up (like I said, it's not a definite that he did but it seems like he did) but still played on. This man tried so hard for the Cup. He tried to win it for the second consecutive time. Yes. He was part of the Calder Cup winning Norfolk Admirals last year. Long story short, the Admirals came to Syracuse because the Tampa Bay organization moved to Syracuse. I'd be like that too if I came so close to winning the Cup for the second year in a row.
His crying was contagious. I felt tears roll down my face, not tears of disappointment, but tears of sympathy for the team. I felt so bad for them. I looked at the Griffins, and I realized that this was reality, this wasn't a horrible nightmare (even though it technically was). I think a few fans, including me, got caught up in all the hype of having the Calder Cup finals return to Syracuse and didn't even think the Crunch had a chance in losing. I blame myself. I continued to cry for the rest of the night, and the image of Barberio crying will never get out of my head.
The next day I woke up with a massive headache. I felt like I was suffering from a hangover (no guys, I didn't drink, I'm underage), and I felt like a walking piece of shit. Then, to make things worse, I saw this tweet:
I saw that tweet and just climbed right back into bed, sobbing. I felt so freaking bad. I just wanted it all to stop.
And right now, my feelings and I are currently recuperating.
I'm so proud of the Syracuse Crunch, thanks for an amazing season full of amazingness, if that made sense. See you guys next season, and lower your season ticket prices. ;)
~Lauren
