A motto you're sure to hear when stepping into Allstate Arena or turning a game on tv for a Chicago Wolves game. What seemed like just another sports team a few years ago and turned into a big part of my life.
All of my life growing up, hockey was just a word. The only time I ever played hockey, was floor hockey, as it was required for my gym class in grade school. But aside from that I had never played, knew someone who played the sport, or had watched a game. It was a pretty foreign thing to me. If someone to ask me what hockey was, my response would of been along the lines of, "You try to shoot the puck in the net." Which yes, if you want to sum it up nine words that is what it is. But now it is so much more than that.
Approximately 4 years ago, my Aunt had heard about the Chicago Wolves through somebody at work. She went to a couple games herself and found out that she really enjoyed it, even though she had never had any experience with hockey, either. She soon brought it up with our family and we made arrangements to check out the game. The whole family enjoyed our first couple games and we decided we'd go to a couple more that year as well. Our first season attending, I believe we made it to somewhere between 3 & 5 games. I myself had a lot of fun at the games, but that was it. I did not understand the game all that much(nor did I try to make an attempt to), and when it came for the games to end, that would be it. Did not bother to check with the standings, know who the players/coaching staff were, see how the team was doing - nothing.
The following year was mostly the same at the beginning of the season, but things started to change. I began paying more attention and understanding the game better. Although we probably only went to 4 or 5 games that season as well, I was wanting to become more into it. I wasn't too involved right away, but it came to where I was becoming an actual fan.
From there it was all uphill(or as my anti-hockey friends would say, downhill) with me and the Wolves. Even with only attending a few games that season, I became more involved with them, starting with knowing more about hockey & the Wolves organization in general. While gradually learning, I came to understand more about the players, coaches, and what is overall expected for a team. So by the time that season ended(the '06-'07 season, I believe), I was ready for the next.
When the '07-'08 season came around, I'd say yes, I was excited. I thought I was ready for what was coming, but in all honesty, I wasn't. Watching a quarter of a season(though not intently) and reading stuff online didn't do me much good. So when it came time to watch the games, I was surprised. Reading about plays being set up was quite a bit different than watching it get done. Seeing penalties get called(the good and bad) gave a new meaning to the word "hooking", "interference", and such. And icing - yea I had see 'em be called and read the definition, but that one thing in particular came out and something totally different. There was still so much I had to learn. Luckily I had the chance to do so watching a great team play.
Unfortunately the rest of my family was about a year behind me and they didn't start watching the game all that much until close to the playoffs last season. So with unenthusiastic parents, we made it to maybe 7-10ish games, and about five playoff games - including June 10th : D
Now this season coming along, the Wolves have become part of the family. With a new enthusiastic mom and sister(although she blew off Sunday's game last week to stay home and play Wii), and a kinda into it dad, this family is filled with true Wolves fans. So far this season we've hit around 10 games, with a few more to come. Plus playoff games, if the team actually gets something going and plays like a team, actually making the playoffs.
Next season will be our first as season ticket holders, getting the select-21 pack. And this is regardless of how poor this year's team performs. After seeing people say they're not going to renew their season tickets because of bad coaching/no effort/etc, well fine for them. So even though I've only been following the team for a few years, I will be sticking with them.
Now, as just said, only following the team for a few years, still leaves me with much to know about the Wolves and hockey itself. I'm often finding myself learning knew things about the past and present Wolves. So if you were to put me in an conversation saying which team has been the best in the past 10 years, I obviously couldn't say. And I'm not going to start up an argument with someone who has been watching hockey for 25 years. So even though my years following the Wolves have been few, I will keep on rooting for them and learning while enjoying the game of hockey.
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