I Am Now One of Them

I used to make fun of these people. These geeks that would sit at home and play in these virtual worlds. These nerds that would rather get their exercise online by swinging a battle axe, or running to flee some big dragon. These dweebs who you would overhear talking about what level their characters are in Warcraft, telling of their previous night's adventure. I used to think, "Hey Nerd, have you ever kissed a girl?"

I am now one of those nerds.

The idea to at least try World of Warcraft was first implanted into my sleep deprived brain upon seeing those commercials. You know, the ones with Mr T, and "Mini Me" from Austin Powers telling the viewing audience a little bit about their characters. I guess one day I decided, "Ah, to heck with it" and give it a try. It's cool to try new things, right? So long as its legal, and does no harm to people, what's the big deal?

So, I downloaded the trial edition of World of Warcraft, created an account which was free for 10 days, and let loose. I first was presented with this vast array of realms, races, classes, traits, and all sorts of other strange things. I decided to just pick one, so I created a Night Elf and joined the default server/realm. After wandering around doing these tasks, or "quests", I was fast becoming aware that I was the Forrest Gump of Warcraft. I needed a kick start.

After casually mentioning my new leisure endeavour at work, it turned out that a co-worker was a player (of Warcraft, not "player" as in the Hip-Hop sense). I created a new character, a Tauren Hunter, and joined this guy's preferred realm. I’m glad I did, because he showed me the ropes quite a bit. Once you get that initial kick-start, it turns out to be fun. I only have 20 - 30 minutes every 2nd or 3rd night to play, but fortunately the game allows for a nice leisurely pace. My co-worker, on the other hand, says that on days off he enjoys putting on a chain-mail loin-cloth, donning medieval weaponry, and playing continuously until soiling himself.

I have a tonne to learn still, but I'm in no rush. I'll just allow myself to geek out a few times a week, and when I get tired of it, I'll cancel. But for now, I'm trying to figure out how to get me more weapons to kill these gnolls that reside to the south of Bloodhoof Village.

Wish me luck.

$$ True Love $$

Heather Mills McCartney was awarded $48 Million today in what some media outlets are reporting as a "surprise" ruling. Her now ex-husband, who I will not name as to not offend your intelligence (Paul McCartney for you people schooled in Winnipeg), is worth quite a bit more. She was looking for around $250 Million, but the judges, possible devout Beatles fans, saw fit to lower that amount.

Inspired by this news, I have come to a life-altering decision. I plan to tell my wife that I'm going on a business trip. I'll then fly to England and begin my secret courtship of Heather. I'll throw some charm, and some wit in her general direction and stand back as she practically tosses the dough at me. I mean, that's how I met my wife of 15 years. I practically snapped my fingers and she came runnin'. (not to worry, she doesn't read this blog, I’m safe)

Actually, on second thought, not sure I'll have time. I'm coaching lacrosse this spring and summer, so I'm not sure I'll get the chance.

Damn.

Unbelievable News

I freaking WON!!

Just a free coffee, but this monumental occasion ends a three year drought. Have any of you losers out there won anything? Huh? Well?

Hah! I think not!

(see what my life has become?)

The War on the Floor

Last Thursday morning, and interesting part of the morning radio show banter caught my attention. I could have sworn I heard that the Calgary Roughnecks were giving away tickets to their Friday night tilt against the Portland LumberJax. Being unsure if I heard this right, after all, it was pretty damn early, I sought confirmation from the TicketMaster website. Sure enough, they were being sold for a buck each. No area seating restriction.

I hopped on it. I scooped up three tickets. Lower rows of the second tier. Damn good seats.
I'm surprised I've never attended a Roughnecks game sooner, after all, lacrosse was my favourite sport as a kid. I played major midget and junior lacrosse in Calgary and BC. I was totally into it. I even got my oldest boy into lacrosse, his first season will commence in 3 weeks when try-outs begin. But that's all water under the bridge, because I had my Roughnecks tickets in hand. It was going to be me, my boy, and his buddy.

We sat down in our seats just as the intros were being made. What initially struck me was just how professional it was. There was a big oil derrick the players ran through upon being introduced. When the last player came onto the floor, the derrick was set alight with fireworks and spotlights, big explosions, the whole bit. Wow! The "Enmax Energy Board" was also was in heavy use, showing us Roughnecks highlights and more player intros. The combination of the fireworks and the JumboTron got the crowd severely riled up.

When the game started, the music did not stop. Thumping energy music is played while the game is in progress, totally unlike hockey. I thought this was a little odd at first, but soon bought in. It's a great idea, sure beats that lull of silence when the other team scores, eh?

The announcer was also very un-NHL like. I caught on to a few "traditions" with these Roughnecks home games. When the opposing team gets dinged with a penalty, the announcer says something like, "Number 44, Peter Morgan, go to the penalty box, sit down and ___" then the crowd in unison thunders "SHUT UP!!" Another funny bit was when there was a fight. "Penalty to Roughnecks number 17 Ryan McNish, a five minute major for opening a big can of whoop-ass. Portland penalty to number 71, Trevor Smith, five minutes for taking it!" Naturally, this stokes the crowd. At this point, the boys were really into it, leaping to their feet for each goal or amazing play. The teenage girls in front got a giggle out of the boys' collective energy.

All in all, what I saw totally exceeded my expectations. I was expecting WHL, but it was more like NFL. The play was intense, the battles for the ball were vicious, there were plenty of spectacular plays. The players played the game like their very lives depended on it. You can just tell that everyone from the owner, all the way down to the equipment guy, puts 1000% into the product.

The attendance for the game was 18,700. Many of these attendees were benefactors of the Roughnecks free ticket offer, but what a brilliant idea. I'm just one person, but I can tell you that I definitely WILL be back for multiple games by season's end. I'm pretty sure the price ranges from the low twenties to the low fifties for tickets, but they are freaking worth it.

Anybody else wanna go?

Crushed

Well, that's it. Atom hockey for 2007-08 came to an abrupt end last night. Our boys, the Snipers, were up 4-0 (my boy managed to score one) only to have the other team come back to tie the game up at 4-4. Then, with only 2 minutes left to go in the game, they took the lead. It was madness, the parents all had this collective look of shock on their faces, mine too.

Then, we did something we have never done. We pulled our goalie. With the face-off deep in their zone, and with 40 seconds left, the Snipers stormed the net. If you have ever seen Atom hockey, "storm" is unquestionably the right word. The first shot hit their goalie in the pad and came right out to greet one of our guys who flipped the puck over the goalie and into the net. The Snipers went nuts. Pandemonium in on the players' bench. Pandemonium in the stands, the place was loud. But, this just meant it was tied, and overtime loomed.

Overtime started with 2 minutes of 4 on 4. We buzzed the net, had a couple chances, but nothing managed to squeak in. The second overtime is another 2 minutes, but its 3 on 3. This time the play went both ways with our goalie coming up big, the game was still deadlocked. The final overtime is 6 minutes of 2 on 2. Our guys had two partial breakaways and a quality screenshot. None managed to find the back of the net. But one of our chances left our 2 players in close to the net, one of their guys scooped up the puck and sped away on an uncontested breakaway. Our goalie was thinking "poke check", but that idea went horribly awry when he lost his balance and fell over. The other team scored.

That's it. Season over.

Needless to say, the kids were crushed. There were some tears in the dressing room, but the kids were generally composed, just sombre. You hate to see them go through this, but then again, its something you know they have to learn. It's not just hockey that will kick them in the teeth, its school, girls, or anything else that commands their efforts. You'll win some, but you'll lose more. It’s a sad statistical fact. Poor kid.

For now, I'll let him be bummed. I'll buy him a slurpee tonight.