2020 was a year full of unprecedented events that took everyone by surprise. Who could have predicted that nearly the entire world would be shutdown? Did anyone know the distance that would be created between the people, and things, that we love?
It’s safe to say that no one saw any of this coming. Being apart from the things we used to enjoy on a daily basis was, and still is, a shock to everyone. Our perspective on everything from family and friends, to interests and hobbies continues to evolve as we learn to never take even the simplest of things in our lives for granted. For Canadians, this lesson came across a lot harder as our entire cultural identity came into question when the one thing that brought the country together suddenly disappeared.
Hockey used to be viewed as just a sport that was used by many as a time-filler, whether it was shooting the puck around with friends or turning on the television to watch the big game on a Saturday night. It was not until March 12, 2020 that Canadians began to realize what the sport truly meant to us as a country. From that day, hockey was no longer on our televisions, rinks were closed, and social distancing was in effect. The entire country found themselves sitting on their couch with nothing to do, questioning what the sport really meant to us as Canadians. Was it really more than just a sport?
142 days later, the answer to that question became clear. Hockey was back, and although it was very different, Canadians were more than grateful for the chance to finally say, “Are you watching the game tonight?” Those 5 months of a world without hockey brought on some much-needed reflection for Canadians to realize that hockey is more than a sport. Ever wonder why watching hockey brings us so much more enjoyment than any other sport? It’s because it is part of who we are as Canadians, and we have finally begun to understand that.
The game will no longer be looked at the same. It is no longer a mere time-filler, it is more than that – a way of life that has created a bond between families and people all across the country. Take Ottawa and Toronto for example, who knew that a Maple Leafs versus Senators rivalry would bring two cities so close together. You can even look at the connection created from one end of the country to the other, where Maple Leafs fans in Toronto rejoice with those in Vancouver over a Leafs win. These bonds are created with one commonality – the love for the game, and without these existing throughout the country, what is really holding us together?
While the game is different today, our perspective has changed along with it. So, even though we are unable to gather in the stands high fiving a complete stranger next to us when our favourite team scores, we find comfort in knowing that when we turn on our television, the entire country is doing the same. Even though we may be apart right now, the sport of hockey brings us together.
Of course, no one foresaw the year unfolding in the ways that it did – and the future is just as unpredictable. The only thing we can do now is hold on to the little things that bring us joy in our new everyday lives and adopt the new normal of being apart, together.
-Antonia Ammendolia
Twitter: @TheHockey_Chick