6.28.2011

the day Ian saw the Stanley Cup

After driving my family to the airport at 5 in the morning, Ian and I went home and crashed. But we set the alarm for 10 a.m. so we could head downtown for the Bruins Championship Parade. Ian, avid sports fan, wanted to see the Stanley Cup in person.

We arrived at the D line a little after 11 a.m. and watched three trains pass while one drunk Bruins fan stripped to his boxers. Then we checked with a nearby MBTA official — all trains between our stop and the end of the line were full. Plan B — the C line didn't end in a suburban commuter parking lot, so hopefully it wouldn't be as busy. We headed towards Beacon Street, turning down a ride from the group of drunk Bruins fans containing the formerly almost-naked guy.

Our hunch about the C line was right and we hopped on the next train. The conductor informed us over the loudspeakers that Copley and Park Street station were closed (to more evenly distribute the crowd), but we were planning on Arlington anyway. The Public Garden would provide more room to move and a good view of the parade route.

waiting for the duck boats
arlington t stop

We relaxed under some trees in the Public Garden until an increased number of helicopters alerted us to the Bruins' approach.

tim thomas waves
the parade of duck boats
hoisting the stanley cup high

After watching the last boat drive down Boylston Street, we headed out in search of hydration and a usable T stop. Two hours and three beverages (water, iced coffee, and a coconut frappuccino) later, we completed a loop around downtown and got on the green line at Park Street — two blocks away from where we started.

When we finally got home, Ian decided to continue our hockey theme with the first documentary in ESPN's 30 for 30 (birthday present thanks to Dane and Micki). King's Ransom follows the trade of Wayne Gretzky, "The Great One," from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings. As upset as the Oilers fans were, it's amazing to think how one trade led to huge growth for the NHL and it's American fan base.

I'm still not a hockey fan, but I have a new appreciation for the game.