So, at the moment, I’m watching the 2008 Men’s World Ice Hockey Championships Quarter-Finals – Sweden vs. The Czech Republic. It’s been a dramatic game, full of head-hits and alleged diving (those naughty Czechs). Currently, the game is tied in the third period, and I’m holding my breath for a Swedish victory.

People from back home think it’s a little odd that I’ve become interested in Hockey. Admittedly, I can understand their surprise. I grew up cheering at football and basketball games, as everybody else in my small towns did, and still do. People follow those kind of sports in middle-America. When I was younger, I used to say that hockey was my favorite sport, just because I wanted to be different. I still remember my dad telling me then that hockey is a violent sport, and that I was going to give people the impression that I liked to watch the fights. Well, Dad, I guess I kind of do… because the fighting is a part of the game, and I think I’ve genuinely come to like the sport. Consider it part of my assimilation into Swedish society. Here, hockey is a way of life.

What I really respect about ice hockey is the skill it takes to play well. Obviously, it requires great finesse to manipulate the puck, especially when one is atop of pair of ice skates. This is what I really admire. In sports like football, basketball, baseball, and soccer all of the players get around by running. Heck, even I can run. Ice Hockey necessitates that players perfect an entirely different way of movement. Put me on a frozen bit of lake, and watch me fall on my face. I could never even pretend to play Ice Hockey.

I followed the Swedish league this past year, complimented with full English commentary courtesy of my resident hockey expert. Now we’re on to the World Championships and the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. In all likelihood, the final Stanley Cup series will be played between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings, two of the teams I’m partial to in the NHL. I would have enjoyed seeing the Dallas Stars in the final, too, but it’s was great for them to come as far as they have this season. After all, they beat last year’s Stanley Cup winners, the Anaheim Ducks, in the first round.

Sweden just won the game, by the way, in overtime. Exciting stuff! Now, on to the semi-finals! Go USA! Go Sverige!