November 29, 2006

The Wave

So at the Hawks/Oilers game Friday night The Wave was attempted three times by my count. One time it went around 3 or 4 times and the other two attempts were basically unsuccessful.

While watching the guy trying to get it started each time it got me thinking, what is his story - what is the profile of a "Wave Starter"? Do they come from good homes or are they alcoholics? Are they successful at their jobs or are they dysfunctional losers? Are they doctors or lawyers or entrepreneurs?

And how does one decide to be a wave starter? Is it handed down generation to generation?

10 Years Old
"Daddy, I want to start a wave!"
"Not yet son, you're not quite old enough."

14 Years Old
"Dad, I want to start a wave."
"Give it a little more time son. You need to practice at home a little more - I'm not quite buying in to your performance yet."

16 Years Old
"Dad, please let me start a wave!"
"OK son, you're ready" he says while smiling with paternal pride, "You're ready." In the background 'The Circle of Life' quietly plays.

Feel free to give me your thoughts, although I'm likely the only person bored enough to be even thinking about this today.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

LOL

Wave Starter.

My vote is alcoholic loser. No job/subway "sandwich artist".

Plus you not only have to be at least 16 but apparently pushing at least 250 pounds. No one will respect a wave from a skinny kid.

Eric said...

You should have seen the guy at the Hawks game - what a loser. He's the reason I even started to think about "Wave Starters." This Einstein tried getting it going COUNTER clockwise. I could be wrong - I haven't been to WaveU afterall - but I don't think I've ever seen the wave go counter clockwise. You should probably brush up on these things prior to drinking a dozen beers then deciding "You know what this game is missing? Some jackass starting the wave in the middle of the play!"

Anonymous said...

This comment is not connected to your original post but I feel that something has to be said. First of all, for atleast the next little while, I will be referring to Ryan Smyth as "Wolverine", due to his supernatural ability to heal himself after vicious, vicious hits to the leg. As a quick reminder-gets "hit", drops like a bag of potatoes, lays there like he's dead (causing fans everywhere to wonder," is this the end of Ryan Smyth? No more terrible hockey cliches whenever a microphone is in his face, no more chances for Oiler fan to marvel at his willingness(brainlessness)to stand in front of the net after taking a slapshot in the face?") Watching the debacle that was the Oiler-Avalanche game, I was re-affirmed in my belief that the Oilers are not a playoff-bound team. Oldie the goalie acted his age, the defense turned the puck over constantly(pre-season prophecy being fulfilled)-in general, one of the better Oiler games I have watched this year. I was shocked to see Wolverine throw a big hit towards the end of the game-nothing like a good, clean body check. That was textbook-catch a guy coming through the neutral zone with his head down, jump just before impact and smash your elbow into his head. Wolverine ain't bright but even he must know the difference between Liles and his teammates. Nice act of revenge on the wrong guy, dumbass. If only Alice Hemsky had
those magical healing powers.

Eric said...

I don't expect much from anyone that doesn't respect Smyttie and the way he plays the game, but if you could figure out how to scroll down a web page you'd see there is a post about, you guessed it, Ryan Smyth. May I suggest that as an appropriate place to regurgitate these old comments?

As for last night, one game does not a season make.

Anonymous said...

I guess we'll have to wait and see who is in the playoffs at season's end. I 100% disagreed with anyone who said the Oilers were doomed without Pronger and I still have the same feeling (even after the debacle last night). The D have played acceptable at the very LEAST and rookies like Smid have played well above expectation.

P.S.

I'm not saying that being in first right now makes any huge difference - it is still VERY early in the season. But being below the poverty line with the Flamers is somewhere I don't want to be even this early, and I sure wouldn't be counting out any division leading teams from the playoffs - unless I wore a helmet 24/7.

Eric said...

Nate,

I was with you regarding Pronger's trade NOT being the death knell for the Oil. In fact, prior to the season I put a chunk of money on each of the following bets:

-That the Oilers would finish ahead of the Flamers. Looks good so far.

-That the Oilers would have 40 more goals for this year than the Flames. Not looking real great at the moment, but we all know they will go on a tear once they get everybody healthy (any news on Hemmer yet?) and MacT leaves the lines alone for more than 5 minutes.

-That the Oilers would win the division (part of a larger divisional placing bet). Looking good.

The only thing we have to be wary of is a December slide. After that we are golden.

Anonymous said...

I hope someday to visit your magical land full of unicorns and rainbows. A quick look at the standings reveals the Flames 2 points behind the Oilers with 1 game in hand. Not exactly an insurmountable lead. I just want to quickly check my Oiler-playoff life monitor. Beep. Beep. Beep. Oldie the goalie remembers who he is. Beeeep. Beep. Smyth out for 4-6 weeks. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.(flatline[for the layperson]). It does suck that Smyth got hurt. It would have been much more satisfying had the Oilers missed the playoffs with all their best players in the lineup all year, but I assure you I will still enjoy their pre-playoff exit. And yes, I know that Iginla or Tanguay could just as easily get hurt. Great point! I, for one, was actually quite surprised by the injury. I never knew Smyth was evolved enough to have opposable thumbs. Maybe if he gets his big contract from the Oil or whoever, he can finally afford that mullet removal procedure. FORE!!!
p.s. 4-0 L to CBJ. WOW.