The Buccaneers: Front Row

My cousins and uncle live up north. My grandparents would take me to visit them. Sometimes my mom would come too but most of the time she had to work. Iowa always fascinated me, there was so much to do. From farmers markets that spanned blocks to giant squirrels that looked like beavers. (We nicknamed them "squeavers.") Case in point, a hockey team. The Buccaneers. Makes sense I guess but still. I had never been to a hockey game until this trip.

We piled in the car, pulled up to the rink, and headed inside. It was huge! We attended an afternoon game, so not many people were there. Once seated, (in the front row, bougee) there was a wall of clear plexiglass with metal on the bottom. This separated the audience from the ice rink. The excitement was too much for me to handle as we sat, waiting for them to come out. Finally, the moment had arrived, they were skating out. I knew hockey was an intense game just watching from the comfort of your couch. But it's even crazier in person.

There were so many fights that broke out. Players pushing players against the barriers, hockey sticks thrown, insults (and fists) flying, and it seemed like the Penalty Box was constantly full. I didn't know that the audience played such a role either. Berating the players in the box. Funny how it always seemed like one particular player.

I was a pretty reserved kid, but nothing made me happier than beating my feet against the bottom of the barrier. My cousins, uncle, and I would kick this metal part just about every second of the game. We would yell and scream until we were literally horse. It was honestly great, but I can't recall which team won. I was absolutely hooked on going to these games, so we attended two more during our trip.

The second game we went to was at night. We were able to sit in the front row again. But this game came with a few more bonuses. The Buccaneers won and....I got a hockey puck! This hockey puck came from the actual game! My mom quite literally popped up and ran after it. Some guy from the upper section raced her to it, picked it up, then thought about it for a second and said, "Here you go." I was grinning ear to ear. Along with this awesome souvenir that night, I got a sweatshirt and a beanie, that wore all the time, meaning when it wasn't scorching hot and humid.

The next game was fun, but we didn't get front row. (That's where more of the excitement comes in.) I would consider this game just ok, as the bar was set so high from the last two. But we still had a good time. I feel that everyone knows that all sports are better in person, but hockey really is. From seeing the fights, to the rambunctious crowd (Guilty), to getting the golden hockey puck.

I was never really into hockey but honestly going to a game changed my mind. I'm so happy I got the experience, and I can't wait to go to another game.

Leave a comment below with your favorite sport and your favorite sports game memory. Until next time. Bye!