In the Middle of America's Hockey Capital of 2013

Fewer than ten miles separate Ingalls Rink from the TD Bank Sports Center. Two hockey areas in the neighboring towns of New Haven and Hamden host two teams who will compete on Saturday for a NCAA National Championship--the Yale University Bulldogs and the Quinnipiac University Bobcats. And here I am, typing after this evening's entertaining television (Yale beat UMASS-Lowell 3-2 in OT, Quinnipiac won 4-1 against St. Cloud St), located at just about the halfway point between the two universities.

Hockey is king in the Hamden-New Haven area, and I've known that for a long time. I've enjoyed listening in on hockey conversations every time I visit, though most of the time, it's only my dad and my uncle Harry reciting the rosters from their state championship teams at Hamden High and trying to solve the never-ending argument of which squad was better (general consensus is that the 1986 team would top the 1976 team, but not by much). Now though, when I'm working in Park Central Tavern or at the country club, it seems that everyone is fascinated by the Frozen Four and the teams of Yale and Quinnipiac. 

You can imagine that everyone here is thrilled that both teams navigated their way though the semifinals on Thursday night. Now, the Bulldogs and the Bobcats will face off Saturday evening for the national title. It doesn't matter that Quinnipiac is 3-0 against Yale this season with a 13-3 goal differential; no, this is a title game. Sixty minutes (and overtime if necessary) of hockey for all the marbles. 

(Obligatory picture of Augusta National)

The Masters tournament has become my unofficial/official start of spring. When the best in the world roll into Augusta, I deem any chance of more wintery weather from here on absolutely preposterous. Still, while I drool over the manicured fairways of the world's most perfect golf course this Saturday, I'll be happy to give a one-day pass to an icier sport so that I can witness the Yale-Quinnipiac battle and join in the appreciation for this hockey-crazed area. It ought to be a good one.