Let me clarify: NHL Hockey is as dead as John Kerry’s presidential aspirations. However, college hockey is alive and well in Beantown. Tonight, I watched my first college hockey game. A well-played game between the NU Huskies and the BU Terriers ending in a 2-2 tie.

In all honesty, I am not a rabid hockey fan. In fact, I am not sure I could name more than a couple current Bruins hockey players. Since I am being completely open and honest, I guess now is the time to admit that I briefly flirted with being a Habs fan. Before you crosscheck your computer monitor and shout, “What are ya, retaahhded?” … Let me explain.

You see, I was a rebellious teenager. The girl I was dating was a huge hockey fan. And, of course, she was a Bruins fan. Because of this, I was forced to watch some hockey games. One of the first games I watched was a nailbiter between the Bruins and , their bitter enemies, the Canadiens. Towards the end of the game, with the Bruins holding a 1-goal lead, the Canadiens pulled Patrick Roy out of the net. Even with the extra offense, the Bruins mounted an aggressive attack on the empty net. Despite the lack of “the Patrick” in net, shots on goal were being saved, one after another. At the time, I felt as if the Canadiens were playing with more heart and courage than I had seen previously. And, for the next couple of years, I considered myself a Canadiens fan.

Now that I am older, and wiser, should the Bruins commence play next season, I would consider myself a Bruins fan. I am a Bostonian, therefore, I am a Bruins fan. ‘Nuff said.

So, NHL owners and Player’s Union Representatives, if you are listening. You have one more fan… can we have one more season?