Monday, October 12, 2009

What is With the Octopus, Detroit?

Back in 1952, when only six teams comprised the NHL (Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadians, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers ), two brothers by the last name Cuzimano flung the first octopus on the ice at the Olympia Stadium. The eight legs of the octopus were to represent the eight games necessary to secure a Stanley Cup (two best of seven series, so four and four).

Clever Girls do not say "ewwww!" or "gross!", they marvel at the fact they are in attendance of a playoff game, where they are witness to one of the longest running traditions in hockey. The octopus doesn't necessarily make it onto the ice for away games- but you can almost count on seeing one at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

Clever Girls not only know the lore surrounding the sacred cephalopod, but also it's status as a good luck charm. Knowing the original six teams in the NHL will definitely get attention from any man devoted to the sport.

Again, do not begin a statement with ... "Did you know ..." or "Do you know ..." or "What are ..."- instead try something which will lead him to impart more information not put him on the spot. "Wow! So cool- I can not believe I got to see an octopus thrown on the ice!" or "There were six teams in the NHL when it was formed, right? And we are watching two of them compete? How cool is that?"

I have been told more times by more men than I can count that he would prefer a supportive girl with a positive attitude and great smile over a smoking hot chick with dramatic tendencies and a penchant for complaining and pouting. Who wouldn't?

8 comments:

  1. You are so much a Wings fan, just pretending to be a Stars fan. Bob, Kevin so many names from the past. I love that you know more than 90% of the population. Other women should take notice!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous-

    I am a hockey fan. Kevin Hatcher never played for Detroit- he began his career with the Washington Capitals where he held the position of captain until being traded to the Dallas Stars. Mario Lemieux- the be all end all, in my estimation- also never played for the stars. Guy Carbonneau, Jeremy Roenick, Shane Churla, Craig Ludwig, Vincent LeCavelier, Uwe Krupp?

    I have to be honest- I while I love the Wings and the Stars, I love the Pens. I am addicted to the history of the game, what individual players bring to the sport- new levels of talent and intuitiveness- and then there is heart. Without the rockstar status of the NBA, NFL and NBA- hockey has had to fight for their popularity and I applaud the tenacity.

    Don't get me wrong- I will cheer for the Wings and the Stars against their opponents, but still can appreciate the power forwards, the two way players and the outstanding in goal performances taking place opposite them. It's the love of the game.

    Women need not know much to become captivated by this game. Like I have said before- I will only offer enough information to inspire informed questions (when appropriate) and conversations with men in her life. Just cursory knowledge can alter the outcome of casual or deeper interactions with men.

    Thank you for your feedback- don't hate me because I'm a Wings fan. Haha. Go Stars!
    x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Outstanding topic today! Yes, Detroit does adore our unofficial mascot "Al the Octopus" and of course Al Sobotka for his enthusium in his clean up duties!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous-

    I am pretty sure Al needed some help after that record fifty pounder (?). Yikes. It is an honor to be part of such a tradition. Mmm- you just reminded me to cover throwing of hats onto the ice after a hat trick. Thanks for the inspiration- I do need to take another break from hockey though so I don't lose my female audience- hhahaha.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Clever darling, add another impressive Michigan quarterback to your list!!! Hopefully he turns out better than Henson in the NFL!!! 20 OF 26 with 2 TDS! Way to go ex WOLVERINE! Still believe, GO BLUE!!

    B

    ReplyDelete
  6. B-

    It really depends on what we consider impressive. Character, after all, does play a role in my appreciation of the talent which hails from University of Michigan. That knocks off ONE quarterback for certain- being of questionable character- oh, and then there is John Navarre- don't get me started, while his character appears to be in tact- I never had any confidence once his hands were on the ball. Henson should have stuck to baseball- what a disappointment.

    Stunned by Henne's clutch performance and wish I was not sick in bed so I could have seen it live- I imagine it will be an instant classic, so I will catch high lights today on SC.

    Thanks for the heads up!
    B

    ReplyDelete
  7. While I do love a good history lesson, and anything Wings related, I do like the prospects of a brighter future for the boys in blue.... This new frosh class has brought some serious talent, and I think we will all be very pleasantly surprised with Tate Forcier over the next few years. The kid is fearless, and plays with heart. He could bring respectability back to the program that has (under the radar) put more QB's into the NFL over the last 20 years than any other. Miami is not QB-U any longer...its UM!
    Why Michigan is Quarterback U: This UM knocked the other one off the perch of Quarterback U. Why? Miami's last three quarterbacks to play in the NFL are Ken Dorsey, Scott Covington and Gino Torretta. Not very inspiring. The Wolverines, on the other hand, produced three-time Super Bowl champion (and Clever Girls Fav) Tom Brady, Pro Bowlers Brian Griese and Elvis Grbac, who retired in 2001, and backups John Navarre, Drew Henson and Todd Collins. All but one Wolverines starter since Grbac in 1989 has started a game in the NFL. Jim Harbaugh, the most decorated Michigan quarterback while in college, misses this list after taking his last NFL snap in 2000 before retiring in 2001. We shall return to dominance!!!

    TT

    ReplyDelete
  8. TT-

    That isn't the only reason Harbaugh is off the list. If we are going purely by statistics- perhaps he might make the cut, but if we are considering character, he is toast. Not too many men have the audacity to slam their alma mater- especially when their college performance far outweighed their professional one. Oh, sorry- we are talking about captain comeback. Don't get me started.

    Yes, UM is QB U- but we almost lost out title last year- when, like the presidential race (it seemed) we had two walk ons. Could not be more excited about Forcier- though his brother was snagged by Stanford (weird) from UM.

    Try not to bring up Navarre- he really got my blood boiling- not the best scrambler and though he set some records- never inspired any confidence at the helm. Drew should have stuck to baseball.

    Thanks for reading- always look forward to you feedback-
    x

    ReplyDelete

Search This Blog