Hey gang. MOL and I just got back from the Bruins game. I am not as offended by the Bruins play as I am by the Toronto fans behind us. The Leafs KILLED Boston. I have only a slight problem with that. The Bruins’ game has gone to shit at the worst possible time. I wish that was my biggest problem.
When I go to the Bruins, or any event for that matter, I make sure I am there for the National Anthem. Sometimes when it is two American based teams I can maybe stand still in the aisle when Rene belts out The Star Spangled Banner. I always remove my hat, and I do not move until the singer stops the drawn out braaaaaaaaave. It’s what you are supposed to do as a good American. I love our anthem and I love being an American.
When a team from north of the border is in town, I make sure I am in my seat for the anthem. I think the Canadian National Anthem is one of the most beautiful songs. While not Canadian, I sing along to every word, and I do so out of respect. Before the tilt tonight, all the Leafs fans behind us emplored us to stand up and be respectful. They all sang loudly, and proudly as Rene did their Anthem and Country proud. I sang along quietly as I do and had my usual smile on my face as I love the song, and I knew my favorite song was next.
As Rene started into my anthem, the Toronto fans behind me proceeded to talk about the game upcoming through our entire song. I am a well disciplined Marine, so I stood at attention hand over heart and stewed as it kept going on throughout the whole song. Red Thunder can attest to not Squaring Away someone being disrespectful to our anthem while standing at attention. MOL was even slightly bothered, and she lives with me so you know it takes her a lot to get going. The song ended and I said, so they could hear me, What the fuck? We were quiet through their song. Some ass face said something rude, and I settled in to watch the Bruins get lambasted. There was zero point in saying anything to them, and I was with my wife and her lovely friend, so there was also no point in pressing the issue.
The Goonsquad prides themselves on being Ameridan. We love all hockey playing nations, especially Canada and America. I hear stories about the Ugly Americans around the world, and I do not want to turn this into a political blog, but tonight, I was seated with some Ugly Canadians. If you guys are on the road in America remember there are two anthems to be played. Try to show some respect for both.
As an aside. The current tally for Hockey Week in Acton is below. I may scrap this event due to poor showing.
Bruins: 0-3. Outscored 19-4. 2 fights (although the Chara Brash fight really wasn’t much)
Devils: 1-0. They won 4-1 after two VERY boring periods last night. 0 fights.
Overall record: 1-3. I’ll be in Worcester tomorrow to see Albany take on the Sharks. I have no rooting interest in this game other than I want to see Trevor Gillies go nuts on someone. You’ll recognize me as the fat kid that didn’t move during our national anthem.
Can I apologize on behalf of those misguided, macaroni and cheese loaf eating toque wearers? I saw that sort of behavior at another Leafs game at the Garden. You were probably with me. As the poor winner Canucks in attendance took it way too far, a group of Massholes snuck up behind them, snatched off their Leaf caps / toques and threw them out on to the ice.
I don’t mind them celebrating, I just need them to respect both Anthems. Very poor showing Leaf fans.
As a Canuck, I’d like to add my apology to that above. I’ve never known Yank fans to bray during our anthem at the Forum/Bell Centre and I respect them for that.
Thanks for stopping by Blair. Appreciate the kind words.