Head Tale

Back in October, I wrote a post about the things I was excited for this season.

There was lots to be excited about but I doubt many Flames fans predicted the season the Calgary Flames would end up having.  I was optimistic that they’d be in the playoff hunt and hoped they’d be in the middle of the pack instead of ending the season at or near the final playoff spot which is where they usually end up (out of playoff contention more than in unfortunately.)

But by December, it was clear that something special was happening and even with the occasional scoring slump or goaltender controversy, the Flames continued to play amazing hockey and Sunday night, clinched the Western Conference top spot over fourteen other teams!

It makes me think about the reasons we follow sports:

Studies have shown that for fans, being identified with a favorite team is more important than being identified with their work and social groups, and is as or more important to them as being identified with their religion. Sociologists have hypothesized that sports subcultures work as “totems,” serving as points of connection for communities and an outlet for ritual and religion in a time when actual religiosity continues to decline. Support for a certain team or club can serve as a point of identity and belonging, either crossing lines of age, race and background or reinforcing them.

* Watching some of the best athletes in the world perform at a level they’ve prepared their whole life for
* If you played yourself, you’ll have an even greater appreciation for the skill level that elite athletes have.
* The competition, strategy and outright battles between two teams
* The amazing highlights and embarrassing lowlights
* The feeling of belonging to something larger than yourself (I got a lot of compliments by simply wearing a Flames’ shirt to the Regina Home Show last week)
* The emotional engagement of watching the ebb and flow of a game and a season.
* …and this:

Anyhow, the regular season is almost over and the *real* season is about to begin.  Can the Flames continue their amazing season with a deep playoff run?  I hope so!