I am Ice Hockey

I live for the sound of grinding blades
Growling as they slice the ice
Like tigers warning their prey
just before they strike

I love the sudden shock of pain
As I impact hard against the boards
My prey, turned predator pressing me up
Against hard glass and plastic

I die at the sound of the loud "ping"
Of a puck hitting a hollow metal pale
The sound of a goal denied
A victory for the other side

I thrive on the sight of flashing red lights
On the sound of a CD player kicking out "Ole Ole"
The hand signs of the ref saying "GOAL"
The roar of the crowd as they jump to their feet

I exist for the feel of my throat on fire
For the pain of being crushed between the defensemen
For the curses shouted as I pass my enemy by
For the shouts of joy when my frontal assault succeeds

I survive on the sight of the puck sliding in
On the victory despite unbelievable odds
On the crushing hugs of my teammates
On the sound of Queen's "We are the Champions

I am born at the beginning of each hour long game
I die at the end like a phoenix of old
I cry for joy when our score outshines our enemy's
I cry in sorrow when I know we've lost

I am and ice hockey player
I swear to outhustle my enemy
I will always choose grit over flash
And substance over style

         And:

I will ALWAYS choose my team, my family OVER myself