Tidbits from a pseudo-hockey writer

In full disclosure, I could spend two paragraphs debating whether I actually qualify as a "hockey writer" or not. But for the sake of this blog post, let's pretend that I actually am a legitimate journalist who spends her time covering everyone's favorite Canadian export...aside from Michael Buble...and Ryan Gosling...and Alex Trebek...okay, my favorite Canadian export.

Over the course of my internship with the Cincinnati Cyclones, I have learned more than in most of my schooling years combined. Unfortunately, the team fell just two wins shy of hoisting their third 'Kelly Cup Champions' banner in franchise history. Needless to say, it was an awesome season and a valuable learning experience. I can't thank the organization, the staff, the team, and the friends I made along the way enough for the opportunity.

That's not to say there weren't a few bumps in the road - literally. Between the four-hour round-trip commute for games, the chaotic parking situation, and a couple other issues, I experienced my fair share of headaches. But, as is often the case with life, the positives greatly outweighed the negatives and here I am, already fondly reflecting on the experience.

Here are just a few of the things I'm taking away from my time at U.S. Bank Arena:

1. The long, grueling season. Man, hockey season is long. It feels particularly long when the team you work for makes it to the finals. If I counted correctly, there were 49 home games, including the playoffs, and I think I only covered three of those games remotely. Between practices, morning skates, and away games, I can't even begin to imagine how the full-time staff and players must feel after a marathon season like this. Rest up, boys. You're back at it in four months.

2. The lingo. Hockey players, unlike most professional athletes, seem to have a vocabulary of their own. Some examples: A 'duster' is a player who doesn't play much and spends the bulk of his time on the bench. When you 'chirp' someone, you are trash-talking. A 'bucket' is a helmet. When you 'dangle,' you misdirect your opponent with the puck (in other words, a deke). And my personal favorite - A 'sieve' is a bad goalie who lets the puck through.

3. The smell. This is pretty self-explanatory. Imagine what you think a hockey locker room smells like. Now, add three box fans and multiply the smell by five. There you go. That's more like it.

4. Deadlines. I came into this internship worried about my ability to finish a story in a timely fashion. That is no longer a problem, at least not with a game recap. It's amazing how much quicker I got over the course of the season. I did, however, have a bad habit of attempting to write a lede ahead of time only to scrap it when the outcome totally changes. I can't tell you how many times I thought I knew how a game would end, only to be proven wrong by a last-second goal. Oh, a related note: Overtime might be fun for fans, but free hockey isn't as enjoyable for those trying to write a timely game story.

5. Hockey is the best. I already knew I loved hockey heading into this internship, but now my love of the game is reaffirmed in full. In fact, I'm positive that this is what makes me happy and what I want to do. Thanks to this internship, I was able to witness some pretty incredible things: awesome goals, a few hat tricks, spectacular saves, come-from-behind wins, and even a shorthanded goal in overtime to win the Eastern Conference title. I also don't think it's out-of-line to say that the hockey community as a whole is a great place to be. Everyone is just so unbelievably nice. From the players to the staff to my fellow interns, I met some really awesome, cooperative people this season and I'm so grateful to them for really making the experience.

Over the course of the season, I got to see Josh Hutcherson, Nick Goepper, and some actual penguins drop the puck, heard some great (and some not-so-great) renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner," ate more soft pretzels than I care to admit, got my picture taken with the Stanley Cup and met Phil Pritchard, witnessed both baby and wiener dog races during intermissions, and watched Twister slide on his head more times than I can count.



More importantly, I think I grew as a writer. I challenged myself to write faster, to write better, to ask questions, and to venture outside of my comfort zone. All of my work was published on the Cyclones website and I even had a few stories run by the Cincinnati Enquirer. I also got to share the experience with most of my family, Wheat, and Jenn, who all came to games to cheer on the Cyclones and support me.

As it turns out, I have a pretty good cheering section myself.

Happy Thoughts Thursday

With everything that has been going on lately, it seems that happy thoughts aren't as readily available these days, but I'm still finding reasons to smile. Here are some of my recent favorites:

- The Blue. Those of you who have not yet experienced the tastebud celebration that is the blue ice cream (blueberry) at King's Island should do everything in your power to change that. Now. There is an adorable little ice cream shop in Maineville called Whipty-Do! and I'm pretty sure it's the only place on earth that sells it outside of King's Island. Wheat and I went there last weekend for our first blue cone of the spring. The blue and vanilla swirl cone is truly a game-changer in my opinion.

- Pittsburgh Penguins. They beat Columbus on Monday night and have advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Hooray!

- Pacers Playoffs. Wheat has been jetting in and out of town for the Pacers' series against the Atlanta Hawks. It's been rough spending so much time apart, but a small consolation is that I get tickets to some of the home games. So, Dad and I went to Game 5 on Monday. Unfortunately, the Pacers lost, but it was wonderful to spend time with my Dad.

- Mom is home! Without going into the details, it turns out my mom doesn't have ovarian cancer. She actually has colon cancer that had spread to her ovary (which led to the misdiagnosis). At any rate, she had to have major surgery again last week to remove the tumor. She was released from the hospital yesterday and she's safely back home to heal with her favorite child, Prince.

- Cincinnati Enquirer. Because the Enquirer doesn't have a beat writer that specifically covers the Cyclones, they ran my playoff game story in the print edition! It was the first time I've ever been published in a major newspaper and I felt a really cool sense of pride when I saw my story in the same paper that was delivered to our door growing up.

- Sam Smith. I'm absolutely obsessed with his voice. I think my favorite of his songs is "Lay Me Down," but I've been avoiding it lately because it makes me cry. Instead, here is "Latch" by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith. So good.

Have any of my Cincinnati people tasted the blue?

Are any of your teams still in the playoffs?

What's making YOU smile this week?

Cincinnati Sports for the not-so win!

A couple weekends ago, I had a doubleheader of sorts as I attended a Reds game before covering the last game of the regular season for the Cyclones. It was absolutely wonderful to be downtown, watching the Reds in something that actually felt like spring weather. Jenn and Sib met us for the game and we ran into Ashley and her boyfriend after a bit.

Unfortunately, the Reds lost to the Rays, 1-0, in probably the most boring game I've ever witnessed. Luckily, a lack of offense is tolerable when you have company like this.

After the game, Jenn, Wheat, and I had lunch and explored the Banks. I'm so happy that Cincinnati has revitalized the area and is finally putting that prime real estate to good use. Not that the Ohio River is particularly worth admiring, but it's great to have so many restaurants, bars, and green spaces for people to enjoy downtown. I feel proud of my city, even if it still considers RC Cola an acceptable soda option.

After Wheat shielded me for a quick outfit change in the tunnel by US Bank Arena, we made our way inside for the Cyclones game. Sadly, they were shutout by the Wheeling Nailers, 5-0, confirming yet again that my support is actually the kiss of death for athletic clubs.

As the Cyclones have since taken a 2-0 series lead against the Orlando Solar Bears in the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs, I doubt they're still reeling from the loss.

Happy Thoughts Thursday

It's going to rain all day long, so let's focus on the good things, shall we? Happy thoughts! Go!

- Inside Llewyn Davis. Wheat and I rented it this weekend and I highly recommend it. I found it surprisingly funny and the music was great. I also just enjoyed the premise of the movie and the small roles played by awesome people, including Adam Driver, Alex Karpovsky, and Justin Timberlake. Check it out.

- Daddles. My dad came to visit me last night and we went to the Pacers-Pistons game. The Pacers won, 101-94, and it was so great to spend some quality time with my dad. I'm a lucky girl.

- Warmth. I know I'm probably jinxing myself, but it has felt wonderful this week. Keep it coming, mother nature. I'll even settle for your April showers, as long as they bring May flowers and we're finally done with the snow.

- My second feature for the Cyclones. I wrote a story on versatile defenseman Pat O'Keefe and I'm proud of it. I wish I knew of some freelance opportunities in Indianapolis because writing is definitely what fulfills me.

- G.H. Cretors Chicago Mix Popcorn. Taste bud explosion. Whoever first decided to combine cheese and caramel popcorn has a one-way ticket to heaven.

Do you pay any attention to the NBA?
Have you ever tried the majesty that is cheese and caramel popcorn?
What's making YOU happy this week?

Happy Thoughts Thursday!

After the ridiculous outpouring of love and support regarding my last post, I feel so lucky and ready to take on this journey with my mom. I can't thank everyone enough for the kind words, support, prayers, and encouragement that are being sent our way. My mind is right and when that happens, it's easy to pick out happy thoughts. So, let's do this.

- Baseball. It's happening soon, folks. I know the weather doesn't feel like it, but it's coming - no matter what. I really can't wait for night games, ballpark hot dogs, and the inevitable implosion by the Reds.

- Reunions. Matt, Andrea, and adorable Lily came to Indianapolis on Sunday, so we had a little grad school reunion at Scotty's. Although we were missing a few good friends, the food was great, the company was better, and I finally got to hang out with my new best friend.

- Free weekends. This weekend will be the first plan-free weekend Wheat and I have had together in months. Between Pacers and Cyclones games, trips to Lebanon, and other obligations, we have seriously had something scheduled every weekend since I can remember. With the playoffs quickly approaching for both of us, I'm hoping we get some FUN in before our lives spiral out of control.

- Penguins. Two penguins from the Newport Aquarium dropped the ceremonial first puck at the Cyclones game last weekend and the only thing that would have excited me more was if the Penguins were actually Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

A couple of surprise guests from @NewportAquarium dropping the puck tonight. #WaddleWaddle #CincyCyclones pic.twitter.com/Ixp9OdzJYk
— Cincinnati Cyclones (@CincyCyclones) March 21, 2014

- "I Love the Rain the Most" by Joe Purdy. Wheat introduced me to this song a while back and I love it. The driving force of the guitar, his voice, all of it. Enjoy.



Do you think your baseball team will disappoint you this season?
Have you ever contemplated stealing a baby? Me either...
What is making YOU happy this week?

Happy Thoughts Thursday

After a couple weeks off, I'm back with a flurry of happy thoughts. Enjoy.

- Her. Wheat and I saw the new Spike Jonze movie this week and I absolutely loved it. Everything about it was stunning - the performances (from Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams), the setting, the concept. Although the notion of falling in love with an operating system is bizarre, it is told in a strangely realistic, relatable way. The movie also sends such true, beautiful, and touching messages about love, communication, and change within relationships. I highly recommend it!

- Studio Movie Grill. I found this theater in December when they were doing a retro showing of It's a Wonderful Life and we love it. It's a theater that serves you dinner while you watch the movie. Each seat has a tray table and a service button that you press when you need something. They bring you the receipt while the movie is finishing so you're free to leave when the lights come back on. The food is a little pricey, but it makes for a perfect dinner-and-a-movie date.

- I wrote my first feature story for the Cyclones on goaltender Joe Howe and the successful start to his ECHL career. I really enjoyed writing it and, although I like doing game recaps, I'm excited to do more of this type of writing.

- In celebration of my first feature story, Wheat came home with a bouquet of gorgeous flowers and an ice cream cake. Am I the luckiest girl in the world? Yep.

- The view from our balcony. I'm not crazy about these subzero temperatures and scraping my windshield three times a week, but I can't get enough of this gorgeous view.

- The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. I really liked it and recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, easy read with a little mystery.

Have you seen Her yet?
What are you reading?
What's making YOU happy this week?

Happy Thoughts Thursday

- Work. I use the term 'work' loosely here, as I'm not getting paid, but my time with the Cyclones has been awesome so far. I'm learning so much, working on my writing, getting more practice working on a deadline, and oh yeah - I get to watch hockey for free. Games have been going into overtime and shootouts lately, which makes my job a lot tougher, but it's fun to be a part of something I love and I feel myself getting more confident with every game. Also, my story from Tuesday's shootout win ran on the Cincinnati Enquirer's webpage and I can't tell you how cool it felt to be published by a newspaper that used to show up on my family's doorstep every Sunday.

- Catching Fire. Yes, I'm one of those adults obsessed with the Hunger Games trilogy. Judge me all you want - it's awesome. I won't be seeing the movie at midnight (like I desperately want to), but I can't wait to see it early next week.

- Boots. Whoa. I had no idea how comfortable and cute books could be. I've been missing out all these years.

- The Penguins. They beat the Capitals tonight, 4-0, and it felt good. Really good. Also, Crosby scored the prettiest goal ever.



- Mix CDs. The radio is nice, but sometimes on my drives to Cincinnati, I just want to listen to hand-picked music.

- Wheat. I know it's sappy, but I don't care. I honestly never thought I could be this happy. Whether we're cuddling on the couch watching Top Chef, trying out a new restaurant in Broad Ripple, or reading to each other in bed, every second I spend with him feels perfect. I can't believe how lucky I am that he chose me.

- "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry ft. Juicy J. Please ignore Juicy J's horrible lyrics.



Who else can't wait for some fierce Katniss action this weekend?
Am I the only one who still burns CDs?
What's making YOU happy this week?

Commence ladder climbing: Now.

On Saturday night, I covered my very first professional hockey game. After months of applying for jobs and internships, weeks of trying to iron out details for this position, and more frustrated tears than I care to admit, I finally wrote my first game recap...and the experience was everything I always hoped it would be.

First of all, the game was awesome. The Cyclones won their regular season opener, 4-2, and the crowd was great. Anthony Luciani scored two goals and got in a momentum-shifting fight, so I had plenty of story material (if you're interested in reading my story, click here). I was pleasantly surprised by how easily the words came to me, despite the loud sound of the crowd, the excitement of the game, and the nerves of my first night on the job.

I have spent years dreaming about this job (or one like it). But as the first game approached, I started to worry that it wouldn't be what I expected or that I would feel too stressed out to enjoy it. I was wrong.

I'm beyond excited about this internship. This is exactly what I want to be doing and I'm so lucky to have this opportunity in my hometown. I'm prepared to work hard and improve. I have so much to learn and this is the perfect place to grow as a writer, reporter, and interviewer. In a couple weeks, I get to write some feature stories and I'm really looking forward to working on that type of writing.

I know that some games will be more challenging than others. I'll struggle to find a good storyline and have to pry for a decent, usable quote. But, even with all the new things I learned on Saturday (from where to park to how to appropriately write about a hockey brawl), the one thing that motivated me the most was something I've known all along: I love hockey.

Seriously, this is exactly what I want to do. While watching warmups from the press box, I had the same excitement and love for the game as the fans around me. I may not always like the outcome, I may struggle to find the right words, and the novelty will eventually wear off. Some nights will be worse than others, but nothing will ever change how I feel about hockey...and if I can convey an ounce of my passion for the sport, I think I'll be just fine.

Hockey Update - You know you love it.

I accidentally lied to you when I said the Columbus/Chicago game would be my last hockey game of the season. I completely lucked out this weekend and got to watch a little more before the playoffs start.

Friday, Dad and I went down to US Bank Arena to watch the 2010 Kelly Cup champions, the Cincinnati Cyclones, take on the Reading Royals in the first round of the playoffs. There is no better deal than going to a Cyclones game. Tickets are cheap, the seats are great, and the hockey is tough. Unfortunately, the 'Clones lost 3-0 and the next night, they were eliminated from the playoffs after a 2-1 loss in double overtime. Ouch.

However, I did get a couple pictures of Jenn's favorite thing ever. Mascots.


Also, if you want to love the Cyclones, watch this video that is played during intermission at games - "I'm on the 'Clones," a parody of "I'm on a Boat," made by the players for the charity Hockey Players for Kids.



The only thing I love more than charitable hockey players imitating Andy Samberg is charitable hockey players imitating Andy Samberg in the shower.

Saturday, Jenn and I went to Columbus for the final Blue Jackets game of the season. It was fan appreciation night and I was convinced that Rick Nash would hand-pick me to receive his jersey. I was wrong, but I'm sure it's because he didn't see me. The game was exciting, our seats were fantastic, but the Jackets lost to Buffalo (and America's golden boy, Ryan Miller), 5-4.

Nash-ty didn't play, but I did take some stalker pics of him. Don't worry - he was lumberjacking it up in a suit. *swoon*


What I learned this weekend is that I'm bad luck for teams. So, with the Stanley Cup playoffs starting this week for my Penguins and the Blackhawks, I can rest assured...because there is no way I can afford tickets to any of those games.

Cue the growing of playoff beards! #mybodyisready