The Madhouse on Madison

5.5.2013


Last night's fantastic victory of the Blackhawks over the Scum (Red Wings) was particularly satisfying not because it was our third win in an elimination game in a row, nor was it because our probable game-winning goal with 1:47 remaining in regulation was waved-off by an atrocious penalty called behind the scoring play; it was particularly satisfying because our opponent was our arch rival, our mortal enemy, our nemesis, and it took everything we had to vanquish them to the post-season golf course.  Or whatever they do in Sweden.

I told Alan that in the spirit of the Blackhawks' big playoff series win I would relate the story of me breaking the silence in a tomb-like Chicago Stadium during a Hawks game many years ago:

I was sitting with some friends at center ice (but about a million rows up) at a game against the Calgary Flames.  The play was back-and-forth, exciting and fast-paced, but scoreless through the first period and then halfway through the second.  That's when the star of the Flames, Theo Fleury, took a pass on a breakaway and beat our goalie high glove-side.  Boo.  Then I noticed something:  The entire 20,000-person crowd at Old Chicago Stadium was silent.  No one made a sound.

I took it upon myself to change that:   I stood up, made a bullhorn with my hands and yelled, "BOOOOO!!" as loudly I could.  The stadium was so quiet that a moment later, the echo of my "BOOOO!" sounded off the far wall and came back to me ... and everyone at center ice a million rows up.  They all heard it and looked at me (since I was the only one standing) and I could tell they enjoyed the echo as much as the sentiment.  Many of them added their own BOOS and a moment later the entire stadium voiced their displeasure at the Flames' goal.  My pals and many others in my section - for the remainder of the game - congratulated me for breaking the awkward silence.



Tonight - Homestead.


bye-ee!
whrr ... clik!