Football 101: Your Key to Understanding the Basics and Super Bowl LVI
By Alaina Valdespino, Staff Writer and Photographer
Each year, millions of Americans gather around the television to watch the Super Bowl. So, whether you're the host of the party, or the person in the room that doesn’t have a clue what’s going on, odds are you’re either going to watch the game or never hear the end of it because you didn’t. Nevertheless, if you’re like the millions of Americans who only watch one football game a year, I’ve got you covered. I’ve gathered some of the most basic facts about this coming Super Bowl and about football in general, so you can not only join in the conversations around you, but so you can also enjoy watching the game.
Aftermath of Sexual Assault Report on Chicago Blackhawks
By Maeve Hushman, Staff Writer
It has been over two months since the Jenner and Block report revealed that Chicago Blackhawks had covered up the sexual assault of a player, now identified as Kyle Beach, by former video coach Brad Aldrich. I first wrote an article about the issue after the report first came out. Since that article there has been a lot of momentum, some good and some bad when it comes to holding those responsible for the cover-up accountable. So here is an update on where things stand after the Jenner and Block report and brave testimony of Kyle Beach and John Doe 2.
December to Remember: Avalanche December at a Glance
By Maeve Hushman, Staff Writer
The Avalanche’s December was cut short by COVID-19 as was a large chunk of the league’s. Five teams including my favorite Toronto Maple Leafs have opted to postpone the games until after the holidays due to COVID-19 concerns. By the Avalanche’s last game against the Nashville Predators, they had five players out due to COVID-19. So, with December games coming to an end, let’s take a look at the Avalanche’s hot December.
With the 10 games the Avalanche played in December they went 7-2-1. Nathan MacKinnon re-joined the line-up and the offense was on fire. In three straight games they scored 7 goals. However, they began their December with a blowout 8-3 loss to the Leafs and ended it with a 5-2 loss to Nashville.
Momentum: Avalanche games 10 and 11
By Maeve Hushman, Staff Writer
The Avalanche had another slow week this week, only playing two games. They lost to Columbus again, this time in regulation, 4-2 and beat the Canucks 7-1.
I was fortunate enough to attend the Canucks and Avalanche game. The Canucks goaltender, Thatcher Demko, is from my home city and his aunt works with my mom, so I went specifically to cheer him on. However, despite the fact I made a sign for him complete with a requested message from his aunt, I was unable to go down to the ice where the Canucks were warming up. I had to stand at the bar, high up and wave the sign around hoping he could see it. The friend I went with (Mandy) was great as she tried to help me get to warm-ups and up to the ice. However even with this snafu, I did enjoy the game immensely.
There is a lot of talk about NHL fans and NHL arenas. The Leafs notoriously have a very quiet arena, but quiet is not at all how I would describe Ball Arena. It is loud, fun, welcoming, and high energy. Ball Arena has a great atmosphere mostly because Avs fans are great. They are passionate about their team and really show up. It gets loud and the sound of the entire arena singing Blink 182’s “All the Small Things” completely acapella will be ringing in my ears for a while. Even if you are sitting in the nosebleeds like I was, the people who go to Avs games always seem excited to be there and that makes even the cheap seats worth the experience. It is a wonderful place to attend your first hockey game (as my friend Mandy did that night) or your 100th. If you can find those $25 nosebleed tickets, maybe give Ball Arena and the Avalanche a try. Just remember to dress warm, cheer loudly, and know the lyrics to “All the Small Things”.
Now that I’ve said my piece on the spectator experience here are some takeaways from games 10 and 11: