The word "fan" may be synonymous with the word "fanatic", and trust me there are often times when hockey fans may seem fanatical (see photo gallery below).  Fans have the ability to take the excitement that comes from a game that is being played, to the next level. There is a certain level of excitement that is increased, perhaps even a certain high that comes with being a hockey fan - even for non-fans who are around the fans at a game.

There are many, many ways that fans show their support for the team that is playing. Some fans choose to wear a jersey from their team; others choose to paint their face, even their body with the team logo to outwardly demonstrate the support that is being shown to the team that is playing. Other fans demonstrate their support quietly, through cheers with the crowd at the game. Some fans even turn their house into a shrine!

                   

Click here to download:

are-you-fan-atical-about-your-favourite-hockey-team-zuftyhHssuercmtqxlIs.zip (1250 KB)

Hockey fans are an integral part of the game and contribute to the morale of many, many players that are playing in the game. There have been multiple players that have counted the fans as the reason for playing, as well as the incentive to play well, because let's face it, the reaction of the fans can do a lot for ones ego.

Above everything else, hockey fans are driven by devotion to their teams. Hockey gives us an opportunity to talk and socialize with family and friends and strong feelings of nostalgia associated with either the history of the sport or fans having played the sport in the past are key motivating factors. "Love of the game" has also emerged as a key factor, meaning many fans enjoy the competition and excitement associated with the sport regardless of the teams playing or the outcome of the game.

Whether it is football, baseball, soccer,hockey or any other sport, these fanatics enjoy watching games and keeping track of their favorite teams.  Sports fans are usually devoted to their teams, and the loyalty they have to that team is nearly indestructible.

If you are as fanatical as the Habs fan above, please send us your photos and we will share them with the post.  Send all photos to post@thehipcheck.posteorus.com  Lets see who the biggest fan really is!

In case you missed Don Cherry blow a gasket after a recent episode of the i-Desk on Hockey Night in Canada, here is it is.  You will see Don is not big on communicating with fans via the web, which the i-Desk has been doing since CBC introduced the show.

Don obviously doesn't think Hockey Night in Canada should be reduced to reading emails (i think he meant comments) from fans on the CBC live blog.  Ron MacLean also agrees.  What do you think?  Please vote and share your comments.

This was one of the coolest days ever to hook up with Gary Vaynerchuk on Wine Library TV.  As you will see, I have no clue what I am talking about when it comes to wine.  Thanks again to Gary for having us on his show.  Hard to believe it's been 8 months since we were on the show.  We will never forget it and neither will our mom. :-)

Found this ad on the CBC Sports Facebook Page.  Do you like the ad?  Does it get you pumped for the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs?  You can feel the tension in the games as we draw closer to the end of the season.  Who's your team and why will they win the cup?

Glad to see the women enjoyed their victory. The IOC is now investigating their celebration. What are your thoughts on this? Find out more at Luke Winn at the Olympics

via winterolympics.si.com

 

We thought it would be fun to create a list of what we think is some of the best hockey blogs covering Olympic hockey from around the hockey web.  During the Olympics, we think you’ll agree that there have been some wonderful blogs written and vlogs produced in the last 12 days. These are some of the best we have seen.  Which blogs have you enjoyed during the Olympic hockey tournament?

After a close call with Team Switzerland, Mike Babcock, Team Canada's Head Coach has decided to bring in a secret weapon for the game on Sunday Night. Looks like Coach Babcock is looking to add someone who can grind it our and also be a set up man for Jarome Iginla.

Hockey Talkey episode 2: The 2010 Olympics are here and the hockey will be so hot it will melt these winter games! Go Canada Go! There will be more Hockey Talkey coming in the future! Subscribe already!!!

I heard about Floorball at the pond hockey tournament we played in this past weekend.  These stickhandling moves are sick.  Has anyone ever seen a game before?  Sort of looks like Robbie Schremp in a shootout.

Floorball moved into a whole new world with this goal by Nede

Demonstration of crazy skills

Robbie Schremp shootout

Posted by @cnadeau