It’s been 19 days since we last saw the Ottawa Senators.
Has it really only been that long? It feels like an eternity.
The world has changed so much since that game against the Los Angeles Kings. We didn’t know it at the time but as we watched an otherwise meaningless game in mid-March, we were watching the end of “normal”. Things were starting to snowball a little bit that night but from the morning after on, life really hasn’t been the same.
Social distancing. Self-isolation. Planking the curve.
Terms that were previously unknown to the majority of us have now become our everyday reality. Our focus, really.
There will be a time in a few weeks…months…a year…when all of this will fade away and we’ll get back to normal. Or a new normal, at least.
In the meantime, we need to keep doing our part.
And while we’re doing our part, take the time to think about (and thank, if you can) the incredibly brave men and women that are on the front line, in hospitals around the world, fighting this terrible virus. The word “hero” doesn’t even begin to describe it.
***
As today’s distraction, I thought it might be a good idea for us to get to know each other a little bit. If we’re going to be isolating together for the next few months, it might be good to know a bit about we all got here.
And if you’re the type that usually lurks, this would be a great time to stop in and say hello!
Getting to Know the SensChirp Community
1. When/how did you find SensChirp?
2. When did you start cheering for the Senators?
3. What was the first hockey game you attended?
4. Who was your favourite player growing up?
5. All-time favourite Senator?
6. Favourite non-Senator? (current)
7. The best game you’ve ever been to?
8. What jerseys do you own?
9. Your favourite piece of sports memorabilia?
10. Your other favourite teams? (other sports)
I’ll go first…
1. 13 years ago, over cheap jagerbombs at Minglewoods.
2. 1992. Before that, although I was only 7, I cheered for the Flames. My family lived in Calgary before moving to Ottawa.
3. I think it was 1993. My brother brought me to a game at the Civic Centre. Pretty sure it was against the Devils. The thing I remember most is that the game ended in a tie and they played “Another One Bites the Dust” in celebration.
4. Before the Sens, it was Theo Fleury. I think Alexei Yashin was my first favourite Senator. My first autograph too.
5. It was Zdeno Chara. Still remember hearing stories about when he left Ottawa and he had tears in his eyes. Me too, if I recall correctly. The one that got away. I’ll say Daniel Alfredsson though.
6. I think my answer is nobody but it’s my question so I should probably answer it. Hmm. Zdeno Chara, I guess?
7. 2017. Game 2 against the New York Rangers. The Pageau game. For some reason, we decided it would be a good idea to bring our then 3 year old daughter to a playoff game. She cried from the noise on the first couple goals but was smiling by the OT winner.
8. Anderson, Karlsson, Turris, Alfredsson, Chara, Spezza, Fisher, Gonchar, Corvo and Varada (although this one was burned a misguided pre-playoff sacrifice to the hockey gods). Then without names- two 2D jerseys, the SNES jersey, a heritage jersey and two of the current red home jersey. I should uhh stop buying jerseys.
9. A folding chair from Fenway Park. I went to Boston a few years ago. Returning home from the bar one night (at like 2AM), I decided to take a stroll past Fenway. To my surprise, it was uhh open. I walked in obviously. Sat in the front row, first base side, in a completely empty Fenway Park. One of the most surreal moments of my life. Came dangerously close to running the bases but decided against it. On my way out, I uhh borrowed an old, metal folding chair (that I think is for security guards to sit on?) on my way out, for some reason. It’s basically worthless but it reminds me of that night. I’ll return it someday.
10. I don’t cheer for any other teams to the same degree as the Senators because frankly that would be unhealthy but I do like the Boston Red Sox and the Buffalo Bills.
Your turn!
