The NHL playoffs began tonight. As a fan of the Ottawa Senators, I have begun my ritual preparations. Of course only two teams will make it to the finals. For many people, namely fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, this is a time when they must choose a new team to cheer for, since their own has missed the playoffs. When my team gets eliminated, which has happened every year, I then become a fan of good hockey. Until then, I will do what I can to help my team win. Rob recorded his own playoff ritual in 2004, and there are many other types of playoff rituals, but I have a new one this year. Sure I have a jersey that I can wear, and my Senators flag and license plate adorn my car, but I have a new item this time around.

Last year, Ana was preparing for a new knitting project, so she asked me what sort of sweater I would like. The last time the Ottawa Senators won the Stanley Cup, their goalie was the legendary Clint Benedict. While some fans like to go retro and wear older versions of their favourite team’s jersey, I wanted an even older style hockey jersey. I did a Google Image Search for Clint Benedict and printed her off a copy of what I found, and she did her handiwork.

Both of us were quite pleased with the end result. I’ve worn it all over the place, I’ve even played hockey with it on. When I wore this sweater during the fall and winter, she was thrilled, partly because she thought I looked good in it, and partly because it meant that I had appreciated her work. Now when I wear it in a bid to help out my team, she is a little embarrassed at how big a nerd she married. However, just like my Sens in previous years, she can’t win them all.