Hockey is Back!
To know me is to know that I am an avid Colorado Avalanche fan. Every game, my dad and I hunker down for three 20-minute periods of hockey, watching and yelling as if we’re part of the team. I first got into the sport in 2021 when a friend had an extra ticket and invited me to a game. Not expecting much, I went in knowing nothing about hockey and not really caring—just excited for the lively atmosphere and hopefully, a good time. However, as soon as I walked into the arena, I felt an energy unlike anything I’d experienced before. The excitement and anticipation from the crowd vibrated in my bones and could be felt all throughout the city.
I was hooked, from that game on, hockey quickly began to consume my weeknights and a good portion of my thoughts. I grew to appreciate the artfulness of a great goal, the split-second strategy behind a play, and the electric thrill of a win. That season, 2022, the Avalanche went on to win the Stanley Cup, and for every game, my dad and I were behind the TV, cheering as loudly as possible. As I’ve watched more hockey over the years, I’ve learned about the sport’s rules, the league, and the teams. Now, four years later, I feel ready to share my hopes and predictions for the 2024-2025 NHL season.
*Disclaimer: I am not a professional sports analyst and only semi-know what I’m talking about, so take everything I say with a grain of salt.
Starting with my team, the Colorado Avalanche. While they have had moments of greatness, injuries have held them back since their Stanley Cup win in 2022. Captain Gabriel Landeskog, has been out with a long-term injury, and five other top players are currently sidelined this season. It has become tough to build a sustainable system, but I still think there are ways to make this season work. With stars like MVP Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen, the level of talent is undeniable, and I truly believe in our team’s ability to adapt.
MacKinnon, who’s played in the NHL for over a decade, is known for his remarkable skating, stickhandling, and scoring. Cale Makar, one of the league’s top defensemen, brings fluid skating and strategic agility to every game, making it impossible not to become mesmerized by his performance on the ice. Mikko Rantanen, another crucial player, raises the bar with his top-notch scoring and skill. However, hockey is not a one-person sport. While these three players lead the team, the entire roster is integral to success. With a full roster back, I think the Avs have serious potential to make a run this season.
On the off chance the Avs don’t conquer this season, I think a few other teams might shine. The Winnipeg Jets, off to a record-breaking start, have a powerful offense that generates high-quality scoring chances. As much as I hate to say it, the defending champions Florida Panthers are also exceeding expectations. After an extended season, many thought they’d slow down, but they seem only to be picking up the pace. The New Jersey Devils are another team accelerating early on, their roster of young and energetic players, specifically the Hughes brothers, adds fresh creativity and skill to their gameplay.
Whether the Avs dominate or fall short, I will be watching the TV for every game, and as millions of other devoted fans and I settle in for another season, I’m reminded that it’s not just about the thrill of goals, the strategy on the ice, or even the possibility of a Stanley Cup. Rather it’s about community, and how sports have the power to unite, engage, and enthrall.
