Okay. I admit it. I am going through hockey withdrawal.
It's Thanksgiving and there is no sign of hockey. While I know I should be thankful for everything I have, I can't help but think about how there is no hockey going on.
I've been finding ways to cope without the NHL, but I've discovered that it's an addiction and I need my fix.
I started the year by watching the Rochester Americans, and that lasted for awhile, but it's just not the same. It's not NHL hockey. It's not the Buffalo Sabres. I also covered the Buffalo State men's hockey team and that was very intense, especially in the season opener when they defeated Penn State, but still, after some time, it didn't make up for NHL hockey.
I've been playing NHL '13 on PlayStation 3 quite often and probably, too often. I'm not proud of that.
When I think of everything that I am doing to try and replace NHL hockey, I realize how much I miss it. It's a relationship that I look forward to every year, win or lose.
I look forward to video editing, creating monthly and annual highlight reels.
I look forward to attending games, whether in the press box or in the 300's.
I look forward to hearing Rick Jeanneret call the games.
I miss it all.
As I write this at 2 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, I've realized how much of a fan I really am. I've gone to ridiculous measures to attend, or not miss any games. My life revolves around the Sabres' schedule and it's rare for me to miss a game.
The 2006-2007 season was the first year in which I bought season tickets and it was probably the smartest time to do so as a Sabres fan. I went to 40 homes games that season and missed the second to last one, but showed up for all of the playoff games.
While I don't have that luxury anymore, I still attend some games, and have had the privilege to be in the press box to cover games for Sabres Hockey Central.
Anyway, when the NHL comes back, I'll be right there, waiting impatiently for the puck to drop. I'd like to say that I won't watch or won't buy merchandise or tickets, but come on. I will always be a fan.
It's been two full months now, but there are other things to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Be grateful for what you have and enjoy the time you spend with friends and family. Hockey will return, eventually.
Enjoy your weekend.
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • 
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