Writing the playoff story
Given my druthers, I would be sitting under the soft breeze of a northern sky, wearing my classic blue jean jacket and reading Shakespeare while thinking faraway thoughts. But for the time being, it is playoff season in junior hockey. Thus, a writing I shall go.
It has well-worn monikers attached to it. Simple but meaningful attachments, such as the Border Battle and the Twin Soo rivalry.
Any Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League match-up that features the Soo Thunderbirds and Soo Eagles has resulted in a story line of many sorts. A playoff meeting between the cross-border foes only serves to add fuel to fire, so to speak.
Or, as my writing idol William Shakespeare once asked via the literary classic Macbeth: “When shall me meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?”
Thunderbirds and Eagles are just part of the playoff picture as it pertains to the northern nook that is the NOJHL.
There are Blind River Beavers and Rayside-Balfour Canadians who have scores to settle. There are Cochrane Crunch and Kirkland Lake Gold Miners who strive to extend the Ides of March.
And then there is the Ontario Hockey League and who will challenge the red and white favourites from Sault Ste. Marie en route to a dream trip to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 100th playing of the Memorial Cup tournament.
If you have a junior hockey seat belt, fasten it.
If you have a carry-on, make sure you keep its cuddly contents close to you.
The many junior hockey playoff series’ can ignite a community, be it in the NOJHL or the OHL. Playoffs bring out the passion that goes with these rites of spring.
I look forward to the games. I look forward to writing them up in a style that is my own.
Adventures lie ahead.
Indeed, to quote Shakespeare: “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”