For the third time in my life, the Pittsburgh Penguins are going to the Stanley Cup Finals. Unlike the first two times, I’m actually cognizant of it. I could not be more pumped about the next two weeks. The series against the talented Detroit Red Wings is almost guaranteed to be the most exciting display of hockey in years. In Pittsburgh, the intense media coverage and outpouring of Penguins support is quite a sight to behold. Every year, I roll my eyes at the coverage the Steelers get, deserved or undeserved. I laugh at the news channels for stalking the football players all season long. And most of all, I detest the fair-weather fans that come out of the woodwork when things are going well. But now that the tables are turned and my favorite team is getting all the attention and bandwagon fans, I’ve begun to rethink my position on them. True hockey fans have a cult aura and appreciation for the game that cannot be faked. It’s easy for diehard fans (I’d like to include myself in these ranks) who have been with the Penguins through the good times and the bad to feel offended. They’ve been true to the team, they feel like they deserve respect. Why should some bandwagon fan who still hasn’t cut the tags off his jersey be able to share in the glory? I used to think that the fair-weather fans shouldn’t share in the glory. But I now realize that they are necessary to adding to the fervor of the fans. It’s not unlike when I go to church for Christmas and the usually half full church is now jam packed with people I’ve never seen on any other Sunday. It’s easy to get offended at that sight as well, but I’ve learned (through annual sermons from encouraging and optimistic priests) that rather than get upset, I should be pleased to see so many people making the effort now, regardless of the past. Moreover, I should behopeful that this moment of heightened importance attracts these people to bemore dedicated. Bandwagon Penguins fans should be seen in this same light. Prediction:Pens in 6 LET’S GO PENS! WWGRD
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