cultural event: my first hockey game.

My first hockey game was a cultural experience because as someone from kentucky where only football and college basketball matter, hockey is foreign. We think of it as a Canadian game and therefore don't care about it. I soon figured out in Denver that hockey is adored, especially at school. The first think I learned was the football attire would not be accepted. In the SouthEastern Conference sundresses are commonly worn to games. In a cold hockey arena this would not work. Jeans, T-shirt and a jacket was what I wore and same with everyone there. When the game started I learned how fast paced and violent the game was. It was a mixture of soccer and football.
I spent most of the game asking questions and the other part screaming for people to get hit or yelling at the goalie in hopes of distracting him. I had heard that Denver was good at hockey so I expected my first game to be a win, but unfortunately my first 2 home games against Boston College were losses. This was the only disappointing aspect of the sport I found. I am a competitive person even in a sport I know nothing about. Those who were familiar with DU hockey explained to me that we had just played the number 1 team in the nation and that a loss was expected. If it weren't for the insane atmosphere I don't think I would have returned to my second game where the Pioneers won.