It’s an interesting lead-in to this post that as I’m writing this, I’m actually standing in line to get to see the Stanley Cup in person for the first time Saturday afternoon. Sure, I could have just waited until I got back to the room or after the weekend was over, but having to stand in line for about an hour gave me more than enough free time on my hands.

Every Hockey Player’s Dream

It is totally cliche to say that growing up, every kid playing hockey dreams of holding up Lord Stanely’s Cup over his head. But the reason they say that is because it’s true.

Now, normally the dream is holding it up over your head at center ice of your home team’s arena. And while the viewing session that I waiting in line for won’t actually let me touch the trophy, I’m willing to take what I can get at this point.

The ultimate goal is to be back here in ten years with my son (who’s arriving later this year). The pessimist in me is saying that if I don’t treat this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to live out something from my youth, however, it will turn into a none-in-a-lifetime chance. Now, how could I do that to little Nelly Jr. before he’s even born? And no, that’s not going to be his name.

So, here I am, inching closer and closer. Tunes on the iPod, wearing a newly signed Jack Skille Rockford Ice Hogs jersey, and typing away on my iPod Touch. By the time you actually read this post, there will be a freshly taken snapshot of the greatest trophy in professional sports attached to it, and one more thing leftover from childhood that I can cross my list.

Sorry, but I gotta go. I’m next.

With the Blackhawks Celebration going on today, I thought I’d take a quick look back at all the hockey related posts these last two months showing the grueling path it takes for a team to win one of the oldest trophies in professional sports.

The Beginning

The beginning of the playoffs is actually just the end of a long 82 game season, which was extended this year for some players because of the Olympics in Vancouver back in February. Sure, the MLB is a 162 game season, but does that really compare? I don’t think so.

Post 1: It’s Playoff Time Again – April 15^th

Next up was the advancement to the second round of the playoffs after beating the Nashville Predators over about a 2 week span.

Post 2: Round 2 Picks – May 4^th

After a great series against Vancouver in Round 2 and eliminating them for the 2nd straight year (nice!), we were back in the conference finals to face the fish.

Post 3: Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy – May 17^th

While the first two rounds were a little more prolonged, the sweep against the Sharks was a thing of beauty. And before we knew it, our hometown team was back in the final for the first time since the early 90′s.

Post 4: To The FInals – May 23^rd

Three days later, the Philadelphia were just about wrapped up with the other remaining Original Six team in the conference finals when ticket prices started to make news for Games 1 and 2 of the finals. Gulp

Post 5: Thanks Goodness for HD – May 26^th

After was seemed like an extra long week to wait for Game 1 of the finals, I spent time at Starbucks while CIndy was at the salon and I wrote a little letter to the team asking for their help in making our world just a little better.

Post 6: A Better World for Our Child – May 29^th

And finally, this past Wednesday night after a long 49 year wait (of which I’ve only been alive for 30) the Stanley Cup was on it’s way back to Chicago. As all the marketing ads from the NHL promised – history was made.

Post 7: Thank You Blackhawks!!! – June 10^th

And now, it’s Friday and most of these young rascals who are still younger than me (sigh) are having their day in the sun an probably going on less than 4 hours of sleep since Game 6 ended in Philly. And you can’t really blame them, they’ve worked hard and sacrificed for this, and they have more than earned it.

What’s Next?

Well, a couple things. First, I’m officially announcing the end of my retirement from hockey. Okay, that was a joke.

Kidding aside, the next thing for us that’s Hawks related is the Blackhawks Convention in Downtown Chicago at the end of July. We went to the one last year and had a good time, but this year’s going to be amazing. Plus, we’re staying at the Hilton downtown this year during the festivities, so that will just make it even better.

As for the players, they will get to participate in one of the coolest traditions in professional sports. They each get to have the Stanley Cup for an entire day all to themselves. Some take it back to their hometown – I know Sweden and Russia are on the itinerary for sure – others share it with thousands of their closest friends. In any case, you know there’s going to be a lot to talk about this summer as the Cup checks in during all of it’s travels. Hey, does the Stanley Cup have a foursquare account?

Well, it’s been a draining last 2 months on the hockey front, so after this short breather, be sure to check back for more updates as the convention approaches, as we tackle a trip out to Des Moines, and the latest baby news before then.

Bandwagon or not (preferably not) let’s all enjoy this championship for our home team. Wooohoooo!

- Kris